Porphyrin Derivatives and Their Use in Photodynamic Therapy

ABSTRACT

A compound of formula I:  
                 
 
wherein X 1 , X 2 , X 3 , X 4 , Y 1 , Y 2 , Y 3 , Y 4  and Z have meanings given in the description, and metallated forms of such compounds, which are useful in the treatment of medical conditions for which a photodynamic compound is indicated. Pharmaceutical formulations and methods of treatment of a medical condition for which a photodynamic agent is indicated are also disclosed. Sterilising solutions comprising a compound of the invention, and the use thereof, are also disclosed.

This application claims priority to British Patent Application No.0229742.2 filed Dec. 23, 2002.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to compounds and uses thereof in thetreatment of medical condition for which a photodynamic compound isindicated and, in particular, in the curative or prophylactic treatmentof microbial colonisation and infection.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The resistance to antibiotics developed by an increasing number ofmicroorganisms is recognised to be a worldwide health problem (Tunger etal., 2000, Int. J. Microb. Agents 15:131-135, Jorgensen et al., 2000,Clin. Infect. Dis. 30:799-808). Thus, the development of non-antibioticapproaches for killing microorganisms is urgently required forcontrolling antibiotic-untreatable infections and limiting thedevelopment of additional antibiotic-resistant strains.

The treatment of microbial infections by photodynamic therapy (PDT)represents a valuable alternative method for eradicating bacteria sinceit involves a mechanism which is markedly different from that typical ofmost antibiotics. Thus, PDT is based on the use of a photosensitisingmolecule that, once activated by light, generates oxygen reactivespecies that are toxic for a large variety of prokaryotic and eukaryoticcells including bacteria, mycoplasmas and yeasts (Malik et al., 1990, J.Photochem. Photobiol. B Biol. 5:281-293; Bertoloni et al., 1992,Microbios 71:33-46). Importantly, the photosensitising activity of manyphotodynamic agents against bacteria is not impaired by the resistanceto antibiotics but, instead, depends mainly on their chemical structure(Malik et al., 1992, J. Photochem. Photobiol. B Biol. 14:262-206).

Various types of neutral and anionic photosensitising agents exhibit apronounced phototoxic activity against Gram positive bacteria. However,such photosensitising agents exert no appreciable cytotoxic activityagainst Gram negative bacteria unless the permeability of the outermembrane is altered by treatment with ethylene diamine tetra-acetic acid(EDTA) or polycations (Bertoloni et al., 1990, FEMS Microbiol. Lett. 71:149-156; Nitzan et al., 1992, Photochem. Photobiol. 55:89-97). It isbelieved that the cellular envelope of Gram negative bacteria, which ismore complex and thicker than that of Gram positive bacteria, preventsan efficient binding of the photosensitising agent or intercepts anddeactivates the cytotoxic reactive species photogenerated by thephotosensitising agent (Ehrenberg et al., 1985, Photochem. Photobiol.41:429-435; Valduga et al., 1993, J. Photochem. Photobiol. B. Biol.21:81-86).

In contrast, positively charged (cationic) photosensitising agents,including porphyrins and phthalocyanines, promote efficient inactivationof Gram negative bacteria without the need for modifying the naturalstructure of the cellular envelope (Merchat et al., 1996, J. Photochem.Photobiol. B. Biol. 32:153-157; Minnock et al., 1996, J. Photochem.Photobiol. B. Biol. 32:159-164). It appears that the positive chargefavours the binding of the photosensitising agent at critical cellularsites that, once damaged by exposure to light, cause the loss of cellviability (Merchat et al., 1996, J. Photochem. Photobiol. B. Biol.35:149-157). Thus, it has been reported that Escherichia coli isefficiently inactivated by visible light after incubation with thecationic 5,10,15,20-tetrakis-(4-N-methylpyridl-)-porphine (T₄MPyP)(Valduga et al., 1999, Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 256:84-88). Thephototoxic activity of this porphyrin is mainly mediated by theimpairment of the enzymic and transport functions of both the outer andcytoplasmic membranes, rather than by binding to DNA.

However, the utility of known porphyrin-based photodynamic therapyagents is limited due to their toxicity against mammalian host tissuecells, i.e. the compounds are unable to differentiate between targetmicrobial cells and host cells. In addition, the utility of knownporphyrin-based photodynamic therapy agents if further limited by theirrelatively low potency for target microbial cells.

Hence, there is a need for porphyrin-based compounds with improvedtoxicity profiles and high potency, which can be used in PDT topreferentially kill microbial cells.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided acompound of formula I

wherein:

X₁, X₂, X₃ and X₄ independently represent (i.e. are the same ordifferent) a hydrogen atom, a lipophilic moiety, a phenyl group, a loweralkyl, alkaryl or aralkyl group, or a cationic group of the followingformula;-L-R₁—N⁺(R₂)(R₃)R₄

-   -   wherein:    -   L is a linking moiety or is absent;    -   R₁ represents lower alkylene, lower alkenylene or lower        alkynylene, which is optionally substituted by one or more        substituents selected from lower alkyl, lower alkylene        (optionally interrupted with oxygen), fluoro, OR₅, C(O)R₆,        C(O))R₇, C(O)NR₈R₉, NR₁₀R₁₁ and N⁺R₁₂R₁₃R₁₄

Z is —CH or N;

Y₁, Y₂, Y₃ and Y₄ are absent or independently represents aryl, loweralkyl, lower alkenyl or lower alkynyl, the latter three of which areoptionally substituted by one or more substituents selected from loweralkyl, lower alkylene (optionally interrupted with oxygen), aryl, OR₅,C(O)R₆, C(O)OR₇, C(O)NR₈R₉, NR₁₀R₁₁ and N⁺R₁₂R₁₃R₁₄; and

R₅, R₆, R₇, R₈, R₉, R₁₀, R₁₁, R₁₂, R₁₃ and R₁₄ independently represent Hor lower alkyl provided that at least one of X₁, X₂, X₃ and X₄ is acationic group as defined above and at least one of X₁, X₂, X₃ and X₄ isa hydrogen atom, a phenyl group, a lipophilic moiety, or a lower alkyl,alkaryl or aralkyl group.

The term “lower alkyl” is intended to include linear or branched, cyclicor acyclic, C₁-C₂₀ alkyl which may be interrupted by oxygen (preferablyno more than five oxygen atoms are present in each alkyl chain). Loweralkyl groups which R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, R₅, R₆, R₇, R₈, R₉, R₁₀, R₁₁, R₁₂,R₁₃ and R₁₄ may represent include C₁-₁₈ alkyl, C₁-C₁₆ alkyl, C₁-C₁₄alkyl, C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, C₁-₁₀ alkyl, C₁-₉ alkyl, C₁- C₈alkyl, C₁-C₇ alkyl,C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₁-C₅ alkyl, C₁-C₄ alkyl, C₁-C₃ alkyl and C₁-C₂ alkyl.Preferred lower alkyl groups which R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, R₅, R₆, R₇, R₈, R₉,R₁₀ and R₁₁ may represent include C₁, C₂, C₃, C₄, C₅, C₆, C₇, C₈, C₉,C₁₀, C₁₁, C₁₂, C₁₃, C₁₄, C₁₅ and C_(16 alkyl.)

Thus, any one or more R₁ to R₁₁ (or of X₁ to X₄) may represent cyclicamine/ammonium groups, for example:

It will be appreciated that the cyclic amine/ammonium groups may alsocomprise fewer or greater than six members, for example such groups maycomprise 4-, 5-, 7-, 8-, 9- or 10-membered rings.

The term “lower alkylene” is to be construed accordingly.

The terms “lower alkenyl” and “lower alkynyl” are intended to includelinear or branched, cyclic or acyclic, C₂-C₂₀ alkenyl and alkynyl,respectively, each of which may be interrupted by oxygen (preferably nomore than five oxygen atoms are present in each alkenyl or alkynylchain).

The term “lower alkenyl” also includes both the cis and trans geometricisomers. Lower alkenyl groups which R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, R₅, R₆, R₇, R₈, R₉,R₁₀, R₁₁, R₁₂, R₁₃ and R₁₄ may represent include C₂-C₁₈ alkenyl, C₂-C₁₇alkenyl, C₂-C₁₆ alkenyl, C₂-C₁₄ alkenyl, C₂-C₁₂ alkenyl,C₂-C_(10 alkenyl, C) ₂-C₈ alkenyl, C₂-C₇ alkenyl, C₂-C₆ alkenyl, C₂-C₅alkenyl, C₂-C₄ alkenyl, C₂-C₃ alkenyl and C₃-C₄ alkenyl. Preferred loweralkenyl groups which R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, R₅, R₆, R₇, R₈, R₉, R₁₀ and R₁₁ mayrepresent include C₂, C₃, C₄, C₅, C₆, C₇, C₈, C₉, C₁₀, C₁₁, C₁₂, C₁₃ andC₁₄ alkenyl.

The term “lower alkenylene” is to be construed accordingly.

“Lower alkynyl” groups which R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, R₅, R₆, R₇, R₈, R₉, R₁₀,R₁₁, R₁₂, R₁₃ and R₁₄ may represent include C₂-C₁₈ alkynyl, C₂-C₁₆alkynyl, C₂-C₁₄ alkynyl, C₂-C₁₂ alkynyl, C₂-C₁₀ alkynyl, C₂-C₉ alkynyl,C₂-C₈ alkynyl, C₂-C₇ alkynyl, C₂-C₆ alkynyl, C₂-C₅ alkynyl, C₂-C₄alkynyl, C₂-C₃ alkynyl and C₃-C₄ alkynyl Preferred lower alkynyl groupswhich R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, R₅, R₆, R₇, R₈, R₉, R₁₀ and R₁₁ may representinclude C₂, C₃, C₄, C₅, C₆, C₇, C₈, C₉, C₁₀, C₁₁, C₁₂, C₁₃ and C₁₄alkynyl.

The term “lower alkynylene” is to be construed accordingly.

The term “aryl” includes six to ten-membered carbocyclic aromaticgroups, such as phenyl and naphthyl, which groups are optionallysubstituted by one or more substituents selected from fluoro, cyano,nitro, lower alkyl (i.e. alkaryl), OR₅, C(O)R₆, C(O)OR₇, C(O)NR₈R₉ andNR₁₀R₁₁.

The term “aralkyl” includes aryl groups joined to the porphyrin ring viaa lower alkyl group.

A second aspect of the invention provides a compound of formula II:

wherein M is a metallic element or a metalloid element and X₁, X₂, X₃,X₄, Y₁, Y₂, Y₃, Y₄ and Z are as defined above.

The term “metallic element” is intended to include a divalent ortrivalent metallic element. Preferably, the metallic element isdiamagnetic. More preferably, the metallic element is selected for Zn(II), Cu (II), La (III), Lu (III), Y (III), In (III), Cd (II), Mg (II),Al(III), Ru, Ni(II), Mn(III), Fe(III), and Pd(II). Most preferably, themetallic element is Ni(II), Mn(III), Fe(III) or Pd(III).

The term “metalloid” is intended to include an element having physicaland chemical properties, such as the ability to conduct electricity,that are intermediate to those of both metals and non-metals. The termmetalloid element includes silicon (Si) and germanium (Ge) atoms whichare optionally substituted with one or more ligands.

It will be appreciated that the terms metallic element and metalloidelement include a metal element or a metalloid element having a positiveoxidation state, all of which may be substituted by one or more ligandsselected from fluoro, OH, OR₁₅ wherein R₁₅ is lower alkyl, loweralkenyl, lower alkynyl, aralkyl, aryl or alkaryl as defined above(wherein aryl and alkaryl are mono-substituted.

The compounds of formulae I and II comprise at least one cationic group.Thus, the compounds of the invention may carry a net positive charge,for example a chare of +1, +2, +3, +4, +5, +6 or more. In a preferredembodiment, the compounds carry a net charge of less than +4, forexample +1, +2 or +3. In a particularly preferred embodiment, thecompounds carry a net charge of +2.

It will appreciated by persons skilled in the art that compounds offormulae I and II may be counterbalanced by counter-anions. exemplarycounter-anions include, but are not limited to, halides (e.g. fluoride,chloride and bromide), sulfates (e.g. decylsulfate), nitrates,perchlorates, sulfonates (e.g. methane sulfonate) and trifluoroacetate.Other suitable counter-anions will be well known to persons skilled inthe art. Thus, pharmaceutically, and/or veterinarily, acceptablederivatives of the compounds of formulae I and II, such as salts andsolvates, are also included within the scope of the invention. Saltswhich may be mentioned include: acid addition salts, for example, saltsformed with inorganic acids such as hydrochloric, hydrobromic, sulfuricand phosphoric acid, with carboxylic acids or with organo-sulfonicacids; base addition salts; metal salts formed with bases, for example,the sodium and potassium salts.

It will be further appreciated by skilled persons that the compounds offormula I may exhibit tautomerism. All tautomeric forms and mixturesthereof are included within the scope of the invention.

Compounds of formulae I and II may also contain one or more asymmetriccarbon atoms and may therefore exhibit optical and/ordiastereoisomerism. Diastereoisomers may be separated using conventionaltechniques, e.g. chromatography or fractional crystallisation. Thevarious stereoisomers may be isolated by separation of a racemic orother mixture of the compound using conventional, e.g. fractionalcrystallisation or HPLC, techniques. Alternatively, the desired opticalisomers may be made by reaction of the appropriate optically activestarting materials under conditions which will not cause racemisation orepimerisation, or by derivatisation, for example with a homochiral acidfollowed by separation of the diastereomeric esters by conventionalmeans (e.g. HPLC, chromatography over silica). All stereoisomers areincluded within the scope of the invention.

In a preferred embodiment of the compounds of the first and secondaspects of the invention, Z is —CH.

A characterisation feature of the compounds of the first and secondaspects of the invention is that at least one of substituent groups X₁,X₂, X₃ and X₄ is a quaternary ammonium cationic group of the formula-L-R₁ —N⁺(R₂)(R₃)R₄, as defined above. Preferably, none of X₁, X₂, X₃and X₄ is an anilinium or a pyridinium cationic group.

In a preferred embodiment, R₁ is an unsubstituted lower alkylene, loweralkenylene or lower alkynylene group.

Advantageously, R₁ is a straight-chain lower alkylene group of formula:—(CH₂)_(m)-.

Preferably, ‘m’ is an integer between 1 and 20. More preferably, ‘m’ isan integer between 1 and 10, for example between 1 and 6, between 1 and5, between 1 and 4 or between 1 and 3. Preferred straight-chain loweralkylene groups with R₁ may represent include groups of the aboveformula wherein m is 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10. Most preferably, ‘m’is 2 or 3.

The remaining three substituent groups of the quaternary ammoniummoiety, i.e. R₂, R₃ and R₄, may be the same or different and areselected from H, lower alkyl, lower alkenyl or lower alkynyl, the latterthree of which are optionally substituted by one or more substituentsselected from lower alkyl, OR₅, C(O)R₆, C(O)OR₇, C(O)NR₈ R₉, NR₁₀R₁₁ andN⁺R₁₂R₁₃R₁₄.

In a preferred embodiment R₂, R₃ and/or R₄ are lower alkyl, loweralkenyl or lower alkynyl group.

Preferably, R₂, R₃ and/or R₄ are unsubstituted lower alkyl groups.

Optionally, at least one of R₂, R₃ and R₄ is an alkyl group which issubstituted with a primary, secondary or tertiary amine group or aquaternary ammonium group.

In a preferred embodiment of the compounds of the first and secondaspects of the invention, R₁ is —(CH₂)₃—, R₂ and R₃ are CH₃ and R₄ is—(CH₂)₃—N(CH₃)₂.

In an alternative preferred embodiment of the compounds of the first andsecond aspects of the invention R₁ is —(CH₂)₃—, and R₂, R₃ and R₄ areeach CH₃.

In a further alternative preferred embodiment of the compounds of thefirst and second aspects of the invention, R₁ is —(CH₂)₃—, and R₂, R₃and R₄ are each C₂H₅.

Advantageously, at least one of X₁, X₂, X₃ and X₄ is a cationic group asdefined above and at least one of X₁, X₂, X₃ and X₄ is a hydrogen atom.

Preferable, each of X₁, X₂, X₃ and X₄ is a hydrogen atom or a cationicgroup as defined above.

Conveniently, the pK values of any primary, secondary or tertiary aminegroups, if present in the compounds of the invention, is greater than 8to ensure that the group is protonated when in a physiologicalenvironment.

The quaternary ammonium cationic group is optionally joined to theporphyrin ring via a linking moiety, L.

Preferred linking moieties, L, include phenoxy, phenylene, sulfonylamido aminosulfonyl, sulfonylimino, phenylsulfonylamide,phenylaminosulfonyl, urea, urethane and carbamate linking moieties.

In a preferred embodiment, the quaternary ammonium cationic group isjoined to the porphyrin ring via phenoxy linker.

Thus, X₁, X₂, X₃ and X₄ may have the following formula:

wherein R is R₁—N⁺(R₂)(R₃)R₄, as defined above, and ‘n’ is an integerbetween 1 and 3.

In an alternative preferred embodiment, the quaternary ammonium cationicgroup is joined to the porphyrin ring via a phenylene linker.

Thus, X₁, X₂, X₃ and/or X₄ may have the following formula:

wherein R is R₁—N⁺(R₂)(R₃)R₄, as defined above, and ‘m’ is an integerbetween 1 and 3.

Preferably, ‘m’ is 2, and most preferably 1.

In an alternative preferred embodiment, X₁, X₂, X₃ and/or X₄ may havethe following formula:

wherein R is R₁—N⁺(R₂)(R₃)R₄, ‘n’ and ‘m’ are as defined above, and‘n+m’ is between 1 and 3.

Advantageously, L comprises a benzene ring (e.g. phenoxy, phenylene,phenylsulfonylamido or phenylamino-sulfonyl mono-substituted at meta- orortho-positions. L may also be both para- and ortho-substituted.

In an alternative preferred embodiment, the quaternary ammonium cationicgroup is joined directly to the porphyrin ring i.e. L is absent.

In a preferred embodiment of the first and second aspects of theinvention, the compound comprises two cationic groups, as defined above,on opposite sides of the porphyrin ring, i.e. at ring positions 5 and 15or ring positions 10 and 20. For example, X₁ and X₃ may be a hydrogenatom, a lipophilic moiety, a phenyl group, a lower alkyl, alkaryl oraralkyl group, and X₂ and X₄ may be cationic groups, or vice versa.Preferably, X₁ and X₃ are both a hydrogen atom and X₂ and X₄ are both acationic group, or vice versa.

Alternatively, the compound of the invention may comprise two cationicgroups, as defined above, on neighbouring positions of the porphyrinring, i.e. at ring positions 5 and 10, or ring positions 10 and 15, orring positions 15 and 20 or ring positions 20 and 5. For example X₁ andX₂ may be hydrogen and X₃ and X₄ may be cationic groups, or X₂ and X₃may be hydrogen and X₄ and X₁ may be cationic groups, etc.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that additionalisomeric structural possibilities arise when Z represents nitrogen. Suchpossibilities are included within the scope of the present invention.

In a further preferred embodiment of the compounds of the first andsecond aspects if the invention, the compound is substituted on one ormore of its constituent pyrrole rings. Thus, Y₁, Y₂, Y₃ and Y₄ may beabsent or independently represent aryl, lower alkyl, lower alkenyl orlower alkynyl, the latter three of which are optionally substituted byone or more substituents selected from lower alkyl, lower alkylene(optionally interrupted with oxygen), aryl, OR₅, C(O)R₆, C(O)OR₇,C(O)NR₈ R₉, NR₁₀R₁₁ and N⁺R₁₂R₁₃R₁₄. It will be appreciated by skilledpersons that Y₁, Y₂, Y₃ and/or Y₄ may comprise cyclic groups, which maybe saturated or aromatic. For example, one or more of the pyrrole ringsmay be substituted to form an iso-indole group, i.e. Y₁, Y₂, Y₃ and/orY₄ together with the pyrrole ring to which they are attached may becyclic.

In an alternative preferred embodiment of the compounds of the first andsecond aspects of the invention, Y₁, Y₂, Y₃ and/or Y₄ are absent. Thus,the porphyrin ring is preferably substituted only at one or more ofpositions 5, 10, 15 or 20.

In a further preferred embodiment of the compounds of the first andsecond aspects of the invention, at least one of Y₁, Y₂, Y₃ and/or Y₄ isor comprises a lipophilic moiety.

By ‘lipophilic moiety’ we include moieties having a partitioncoefficient between 1-n-octanol and water expressed as log P of greaterthan 1.0 at physiological pH and 25° C.

Conveniently, the lipophilic moiety is a saturated, straight-chain alkylgroup of formula —(CH₂)_(p)CH₃, or an equivalent alkylene group offormula —(CH₂)_(p)-, wherein ‘p’ is an integer between 1 and 22, forexample between 1 and 18. Preferably, ‘p’ is between 1 and 18, morepreferably between 2 and 16, between 4 and 16, between 6 and 18, between8 and 16 or between 4 and 12. Most preferably, ‘p’ is between 10 and 12.

It will be appreciated that Y₁, Y₂, Y₃ and/or Y₄ may be a cationicgroup, as defined above, which also comprises a lipophilic moiety.

In an alternative preferred embodiment of the first and second aspectsof the invention, none of Y₁, Y₂, Y₃ and Y₄ is a lipophilic moiety.

Advantageously, the compounds of the invention are soluble in water.Preferably, the compounds may be dissolved in water to a concentrationof at least 5 μg/l, for example at least 10 μg/l, 15 μg/l or 20 μg/l.More preferably, the compounds may be dissolved in water toconcentration of at least 100 μg/l, for example 200 μg/l, 300 μg/l, 400μg/l, 500 μg/l, 1 mg/ml, 5 mg/ml, 10 mg/ml, 20 mg/ml, 50 mg/ml or 100mg/ml.

Conveniently, the compounds of the invention exhibit greater toxicity toa larger microorganism (e.g. a bacterium) upon illumination/irradiationthan in the absence of activating illumination/irradiation, i.e. theyexhibit greater photodynamic activity (‘light toxicity’) than darktoxicity (see below). It will be appreciated that such toxicity may bedetermined using cell cultures. Preferably, the photodynamic activity ofa compound is a least tow-fold greater than the dark toxicity of thatcompound, more preferably at least three-fold, at least four-fold, atleast five-fold, at least six-fold, at least eight-fold, at leastten-fold, at least fifteen-fold or at least twenty fold. Mostpreferably, the compound of the invention is substantially non-toxic inthe absence of illumination/irradiation.

In a preferred embodiment, the compound of the invention is toxic to thetarget microorganism (e.g. bacterial cells) at low doses. Preferably,the compound is toxic to the target microorganism at a concentration ofless than 10 μM, for example less than 1 μM, less than 0.1 μM, less than0.01 μM, less than 0.05 μM or less than 0.001 μM (see Example B).

Preferred compounds of the invention include the following:

-   (a)    5,15-bis-(4-{3-[(3-Dimethylamino-propyl)-dimethyl-ammonio]-propyloxy}-phenyl)-porphyrin    dichloride (“Compound 8”)

Preferably, this compound is provided as a dichloride of tetrachloridesalt.

-   (b) 5,15-bis-[4-(3-Triethylammonio-propyloxy)-phenyl]-porphyrin    dichloride (“Compound 9”);

Preferably, this compound is provided as a dichloride salt.

-   (c) 5,15-bis-[3-(3-Trimethylammonio-propyloxy)-phenyl]-porphyrin    dichloride (“Compound 12”);

Preferably, this compound is provided as a dichloride salt.

-   (d) 5,15-bis-[4-(3-Trimethylammonio-propyloxy)-phenyl]-porphyrin    dichloride (“Compound 10”);

Preferably, this compound is provided as a dichloride salt.

-   (e)    5-[3,5-bis-(3-/Trimethylammonio-propyloxy)-phenyl]-15-undecyl-porphyrin    dichloride (“Compound 6”);

Preferably, this compound is provided as a dichloride salt.

-   (f)    5-{4-[3-Dimethyl-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-ammonio-propyloxy]phenyl}-15-(4dodecyloxy-phenyl)-porphyrin    chloride (Compound “23”);

Preferably, this compound is provided as a chloride or dichloride salt.

-   (g)    3-[({3-[3-{4[15-(4-Dodecyloxy-phenyl)-porphyrin-5yl]-phenoxy}-propyl)-dimethyl-ammonio]-propyl}-dimethyl-ammonio)-propyl]-trimethyl-ammonium    trichloride (“Compound 25”);

Preferably, this compound is provided as a trichloride salt.

-   (h)    5,15-bis-[3-(3-Trimethylammmonio-propyloxy)-phenyl]-10-undecyl-porphyrin    dichloride (“Compound 28”);

Preferably, this compound is provided as a dichloride salt.

-   (i)    5-{4-[3-Dimethyl-(3-trimethylammonio-propyl)-ammonio-propyloxy]-phenyl}-15-(4-dodecyloxy-phenyl)-porphyrin    dichloride (“Compound 31”); and

Preferably, this compound is provided as a dichloride salt.

-   (j)    5-[4(3-Dimethyldecyl-ammoniopropyloxy)-phenyl]-15-{4-[3-dimethyl-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-ammoniopropyloxy]-phenyl}-porphyrin    dichloride (“Compound 32”).

Preferably, this compound is provided as a dichloride salt.

It will be appreciated that the above compounds may alternatively be ina metallated form, i.e. they may comprise a chelated metallic element ormetalloid element within the porphyrin ring.

A third aspect of the invention provides a compound for use as aselective photodynamic therapy agent, i.e. for selectively killingmicroorganisms, wherein the compound is a compound according to thefirst or second aspect of the invention.

By ‘selective’ we mean the photodynamic therapy agent is preferentiallytoxic to one or more microorganisms (such as bacteria, mycoplasmas,yeasts, fungi and/or viruses) compared to mammalian e.g. human, hostcells. Preferably, the toxicity of the compound to a targetmicroorganism is at least two-fold greater than the toxicity of thatcompound to mammalian cells (such as human skin cells), more preferablyat least three-fold, at least four-fold, at least five-fold, at leastsix-fold, at least eight-fold, at least ten-fold, at least fifteen-foldor at least twenty fold. Most preferably, the compound of the inventionis substantially non-toxic to mammalian cells.

In this way, when the compounds of the invention are used to treatbacterial infections, for example, dosing regimes can be selected suchthat bacterial cells are destroyed with minimal damage to healthy hosttissue (e.g. skin cells). Thus, the photodynamic therapy agentspreferably exhibit a ‘therapeutic window’.

A fourth aspect of the invention provides a pharmaceutical formulationcomprising a compound according to the first or second aspect of theinvention in admixture with a pharmaceutically or veterinarilyacceptable adjuvant, diluent or carrier.

The compounds of the invention can be formulated at variousconcentrations, depending on the efficacy/toxicity of the compound beingused and the indication for which it is being used. Preferably, theformulation comprises the compound of the invention at a concentrationof between 0.1 μM and 1 mM, more preferably between 1 μM and 100 μM,between 5 μM and 50 μM, between 10 μM and 50 μM, between 20 μM and 40 μMand most preferably about 30 μM. For in vitro applications, formulationsmay comprise a lower concentration of a compound of the invention, forexample between 0.0025 μM and 1 μM.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the compoundsof the invention will generally be administered in admixture with asuitable pharmaceutical excipient diluent or carrier selected withregard to the intended route of administration and standardpharmaceutical practice (for example, see Remington: The Science andPractice of Pharmacy, 19^(th) edition, 1995, ed. Alfonso Gennaro, MackPublishing Company, Pennysylvania, USA).

For example, for application topically, e.g. to the skin or a woundsite, the compounds of the invention can be administered in the form ofa lotion, solution, cream, gel, ointment or dusting powder (for example,see Remington, supra, pages 1586 to 1597). Thus, the compounds of theinvention can be formulated as a suitable ointment containing the activecompound suspended or dissolved in, for example, a mixture with one ormore of the following: mineral oil, liquid petrolatum, white petrolatum,propylene glycol, polyoxyethylene polyoxpropylene compound, emulisifyingwas and water. Alternatively, they can be formulated as a suitablelotion or cream, suspended or dissolved in, for example, a mixture ofone or more of the following: mineral oil, sorbitan monostearate, apolyethylene glycol, liquid paraffin, polysorbate 60, cetyl esters wax,e-lauryl sulphate, an alcohol (e.g. ethanol, cetearyl alcohol,2-octyldodecanol, benzyl alcohol) and water.

In a preferred embodiment, the formulation (e.g. lotion, solution,cream, gel or ointment) is water-based.

Formulations suitable for topical administration in the mouth furtherinclude lozenges comprising the active ingredient in a flavoured basis,usually sucrose and acacia or tragacanth; pastilles comprising theactive ingredient in an inert basis such as gelatin and glycerin, orsucrose and acacia; and mouth-washes comprising the active ingredient ina suitable liquid carrier.

The compounds of the invention can also be administered intranasally ofby inhalation and are conveniently delivered in the form of a dry powderinhaler or an aerosol spray presentation from a pressurised container,pump, spray or nebuliser with the use of a suitable propellant, e.g.dichlorodifluoromethane, trichlorofluoromethane,dichlorotetrafluoroethane, a hydrofluoroalkane such as1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (HFA 134A³ or 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropane(HFA 227A³), carbon dioxide or other suitable gas. In the case of apressurised aerosol, the dosage unit may be determined by providing avalve to deliver a metered amount. The pressurised container, pump,spray or nebuliser may contain a lubricant, e.g. sorbitan trioleate.Capsules and cartridges (made, for example, from gelatin) for use in aninhaler or insufflator may be formulated to contain a powder mix of acompound of the invention and a suitable powder base such as lactose orstarch.

Aerosol or dry powder formulations are preferably arranged so that eachmetered dose or “puff” contains at least 1 mg of a compound of theinvention for delivery to the patient. It will be appreciated that heoverall dose with an aerosol will vary from patient to patient and fromindication to indication, and may be administered in a single dose or,more usually, in divided doses throughout the day.

Alternatively, other conventional administration routes known in the artmay also be employed; for example the compounds of the invention may bedelivered orally, buccally or sublingually in the form of tablets,capsules, ovules, elixirs, solutions or suspensions, which may containflavouring or colouring agents, for immediate-, delayed- orcontrolled-release applications. The compounds of invention may also beadministered intra-ocularly (see below), intra-aurally or viaintracavernosal injection.

The compounds of the invention can also be administered parenterally,for example, intravenously, intra-arterially, intraperitoneally,intrathecally, intraventricularly, intrasternally, intraeranially,intra-muscularly or subcutaneously (including via an array of fineneedles or using needle-free Powderject® technology), or they may beadministered by infusion techniques. They are best used in the form of asterile aqueous solution which may contain other substances, forexample, enough salts or glucose to make the solution isotonic withblood. The aqueous solutions should be suitable buffered (preferably toa pH of from 3 to 9), if necessary. The preparation of suitableparenteral formulations under sterile conditions is readily accomplishedby standard pharmaceutical techniques well-known to those skilled in theart.

Formulations suitable for parenteral administration include aqueous andnon-aqueous sterile injection solutions which may contain ant-oxidants,buffers, bacteriostats and solutes which render the formulation isotonicwith the blood of the intended recipient; and aqueous and non-aqueoussterile suspensions which may include suspending agents and thickeningagents. The formulations may be presented in unit-dose or multi-dosecontainers, for example sealed ampoules and vials, and may be stored ina freeze-dried (lyophilised) condition requiring only the addition ofthe sterile liquid carrier, for example water for injections,immediately prior to use. Extemporaneous injection solutions andsuspensions may be prepared from sterile powders, granules and tabletsof the kind previously described.

The compounds of the invention may also be administered by the ocularroute, particularly for treating diseases of the eye. For ophthalmicuse, the compounds of the invention can be formulated as micronisedsuspensions in isotonic, pH adjusted, sterile saline, or, preferably, assolutions in isotonic, pH adjusted, sterile saline, optionally incombination with a preservative such as a benzylalkonium chloride.Alternatively, they may be formulated in an ointment such as petrolatum.

For veterinary use, a compound of the invention is administered as asuitably acceptable formulation in accordance with normal veterinarypractice and the veterinary surgeon will determine the dosing regimenand route of administration which will be most appropriate for aparticular animal.

The compounds and/or formulations of the invention may be stored in anysuitable container or vessel known in the art. It will be appreciated bypersons skilled in the art that the container or vessel shouldpreferably be airtight and/or sterilised. Advantageously, the containeror vessel is made of a plastics material, such as polyethylene.

A fifth aspect of the invention provides a compound according to thefirst or second aspects of the invention for use in medicine and, inparticular, in the curative and/or prophylactic treatment of microbialinfections.

The compounds of the invention are photosensitive (photodynamic) as theyemit reactive oxygen species, such as singlet oxygen or oxygen freeradicals, following illumination/irradiation in the presence of oxygenwith light of an appropriate wavelength (typically 400 nm to 800 nm, seebelow). Consequently, the compounds of the invention are suitable foruse as photodynamic therapy agents in the curative and/or prophylactictreatment of a medical condition for which a photodynamic agent isindicated (for example, see Smith, 2002, Curr Probl Cancer.26(2):67-108; Hopper, 2000, Lancet Oncol. 1:212-9; Dougherty, 2002, JClin Laser Med Surg. 20(1):3-7; Ceburkow & Gollnick, 2000, Eur JDermatol. 10(7):568-75).

Preferably, the compounds of the invention are for use in the curativeand/or prophylactic treatment of bacterial infections such as Grampositive cocci (e.g. Streptococcus), Gram negative cocci (e.g.Neisseria), Gram positive bacilli (e.g. Corynebacterium species), Gramnegative bacilli (e.g. Escherichia coli), acid-fast bacilli (e.g. atypical Mycobacterium) and including infections causing abscesses,cysts, dermatological infections, wound infections, arthritis, urinarytract infections, pancreatitis, pelvic inflammatory disease,peritonitis, prostatitis, infections of the vagina, oral cavity(including dental infections), eye and/or ear, ulcers and otherlocalised infections; actinomyces infections; fungal infections such asCandida albicans, Aspergillus and Blastomyces; viral infections such asHIV, encephalitis, gastro-enteritis, haemorrhagic fever, hantavirus,viral hepatitis, herpes virus (e.g. cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr,herpesvirus simiae, herpes simplex and varicella-zoster); protozoalinfections such as amoebiasis, babesiosis, coccidiosis,cryptosporidiosis, giardiasis, Leishmaniasis, Trichomoniasis,toxoplasmosis and malaria; helminthic infections such as caused bynematodes, cestodes and trematodes, e.g. ascariasis, hook worm,lymphatic filariasis, onchocerciasis, schistosomiasis and toxocariasis;and inflammatory diseases such as soft-tissue rhematism, osteoarthritis,rheumatoid arthritis and spondyloarthropathies.

More preferably, the compounds of the invention are for use in thecurative and/or prophylactic treatment of infections by Gram positivebacteria and/or Gram negative bacteria. Most preferably, the compoundsof the invention are for use in the curative and/or prophylactictreatment of infections by Gram positive bacteria.

The compounds of the invention are preferably used to killmicroorganisms, e.g. bacteria, mycoplasmas, yeasts, fungi and viruses.The compounds of the invention are particularly suitable for killingbacteria which have developed resistance to conventional antibiotictreatments, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the compoundsof the invention are suitable to treat all infections where targetmicroorganisms can be found on a light-accessible surface or in a lightaccessible area (e.g. epidermis, oral cavity, nasal cavity, sinuses,ears, eyes, lungs, uro-genital tract, and gastrointestinal tract). Inaddition, the compounds of the invention are suitable to treatinfections on surfaces or areas which are made accessible to lighttransiently, such as infected bones temporarily exposed during surgicalprocedures. Infections of the peritoneal cavity, such as those resultingfrom burst appendicitis are light-accessible via at least laparoscopicdevices.

Dosage Typically, however, dosages will range from 0.01 to 20 mg ofcompound per kilogram of body weight, preferably from 0.1 to 15 mg/kg,for example from 1 to 10 mg/kg of body weight.

In a preferred embodiment, the compounds of the invention are used incombination with conventional antimicrobial agents. For example, thecompounds may be used in combination with one or more of the followingconventional antibiotics; anti-bacterial agents, for example natural andsynthetic penicillins and cephalosporins, sulphonanides, crythromycin,kanomycin, tetracycline, chloramphenicol, rifampicin and includinggentamicin, ampicillin, benzypenicillin, benethamine penicillin,benzathine penicillin, phenethicillin, phenoxy-methyl penicillin,procaine penicillin, cloxacillin, flucloxacillin, methicillin sodium,amoxicillin, bacampicillin hydrochloride, ciclacillin, mazlocillin,pivampicillin, talampicillin hydrochloride, carfecillin sodium,peperacillin, ticarcillin, mecillinam, pirmecillinan, cefaclor,cefadroxil, cefotaxime, cefoxitin, cefsulodin sodium, ceftazidime,ceftizoxime, cefuroxime, cephalexin, cephalothin, cephamandole,cephazolin, cephradine, latamoxef disodium, aztreonam, chlortetracyclinehydrochloride, clomocycline sodium, demeclocydine hydrochloride,doxycycline, lymecycline, minocycline, oxytetracycline, amikacin,framycetin sulphate, neomycin sulphate, netilmicin, tobramycin,colistin, sodium fusidate, polymyxin B sulphate, spectinomycin,vancomycin, calcium suphaloxate, sulfametopyraxine suphadiazine,sulphadimidine, sulphaguanidine, suphaurea, capreomycin, metronidazole,tinidazole, cinoxacin, ciprofloxacin, nitrofurantoin, hexamine,streptomycin, carbenicillin, colistimethate, polymyxin B, furazolidone,nalidixic acid, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, clindamycin, lincomycin,cycloserine, isoniazid, ethambutol, ethionamide, pyrazinamide and thelike; anti-fungal agents, for example miconazole, ketoconazole,itraconazole, fluconazole, amphotericin, flucytosine, griseofulvin,natamycin, nystatin, and the like; and anti-viral agents such asacyclovir, AZT, ddI, amantadine hydrochloride, inosine pranobex,vidarabine, and the like.

In a further preferred embodiment, the compounds of the invention areco-administered with penetration enhancing agents, such aspoly-(ethyleneimine), or antibiotic agents which exhibit suchpenetration-enhancing capability (e.g. polymyxin or colistin).

The compounds of the invention are particularly suited for use in thecurative or prophylactic treatment of one or more of the followingindications:

Impetigo

Impetigo is a highly communicable infection. It is the most commoninfection in children.

Impetigo have two classic forms nonbullous and bullous. The nonbullousimpetigo, also named impetigo contagiosa accounts for approximately 70%of cases. Lesions normally resolve in 2 to 3 weeks without treatment.Impetigo also may complicate other skin diseases such as scabies,varicella, atopic dermatitis, and Darier's disease.

(a) Nonbullous Impetigo

Type of Bacteria

Nonbullous is an infection caused principally by Group A beta-haemolyticstreptococci (Streptococcus pyogenes), Staphylococcus aureus, or acombination of these two organisms (see Andrews' diseases of the skin:clinical dermatology 9th ed. (2000) edited by Odom R B editor Saundersp. 312-4). Non-Group A (Group B, C, and G) streptococci may beresponsible for rare cases of impetigo, and Group B streptococci areassociated with impetigo in the newborn.

Type of Wounds

Nonbullous is a superficial, intraepidermal unilocular vesiculopustularinfection.

Lesions of non bullous impetigo commonly begin on the skin of the faceor extremities following trauma. As a rule, intact skin is resistant toimpetiginazation.

The clinical presentation of impetigo evolves in an orderly fashion froma small vesicle or pustule, which progresses into honey-coloured crustedplaque. Lesions usually are less than 2 cm in diameter. Lesions tend todry, leaving fine crusts without cicatrisation. Lesions are usuallyminimally symptomatic. Rarely, erythema associated with mild pain orslight pruritus may be present. The infection spreads to contiguous anddistal areas through the inoculation of other wound from scratching.

Site of Bacteria

Nonbullouos impetigo is a superficial streptococcal or staphylococcalinfection which is localised to the subcorneal (just beneath the stratumcorneum) layer of the skin (see FIG. 1). More particularly, infection inimpetigo is confined histopathogically to highly differentiated, upperepidermal keratinocytes. Once the bacteria invade a break in the skin,they begin to multiply.

The histopathology is that of an extremely superficial inflammationabout the funnel-shaped upper portion of the pilosebaceous follicles. Asubcorneal vesicopustule is formed, containing a few scattered cocci,together with debris of polymorphonuclear leukocytes and epidermalcells. In the dermis, there is a mild inflammatory reaction—vasculardilation, oedema, and infiltration of polymorphonuclear leukocyts(Andrews' diseases of the skin, supra., p. 312-4).

(b) Bullous Impetigo

Type of Bacteria

Bullous impetigo is caused primarily by strains of Staphylococcus aureuswhich produce exfoliative toxins (Sadick et al., 1997, DermatologicClinics 15(2): 341-9).

Type of Wounds

Bullous impetigo is histologically characterised by subcorneal cleavageand infiltrate with polymorphonuclear leucocytes migrating through theepidermis and accumulating between granular and stratum corneum skinlayers. Small or large superficial fragile bullae are present on thetrunk and extremities.

Flaccid bullae and moist erosions with surrounding erythema arecharacteristic of this subcorneal infections. Often, only the remnantsof ruptured bullae are seen at the time of presentation. The separationof the epidermis is due to an exotoxin produced by Staphylococcusaureus.

Sites of Bacteria

Bullous impetigo is a superficial staphylococcal infection that occursin and just beneath the stratum corneum (see FIG. 1). Bullous impetigois considered due to exfoliative toxin produced by some Staphylococcusaureus attached to stratum corneum cells.

Atopic Dermatitis (AD)

Atopic dermatitis, also named atopic eczema, is a chronic inflammationof the skin resulting in an itchy rash, especially in the flexures i.e.behind the knees, in front of the elbows, wrists, neck, and eyelids.Infection of the rash is common, and causes further inflammation anditch.

Eczema typically manifests in those aged 1-6 months. Approximately 60%of patients have their first outbreak by 1 year and 90% by 5 years.Onset of atopic dermatitis in adolescence or later is uncommon andshould prompt consideration of another diagnosis. Disease manifestationsvary with age.

Type of Bacteria

Bacteria and their superantigens contribute to the pathogenesis of AD.

Staphylococcus aureus colonises the skin of 90% of AD patients (chroniceczematous lesions) and only 5% of non-atopic patients. The colonisationdensity of Staphylococcus aureus can reach up to 10⁷ colony formingunits cm⁻² without clinical signs of infection in patients with AD. Inaddition, the apparently normal non-lesional skin of atopic patientscontains increased numbers of Staphylococcus aureus.

The reason for the overgrowth of Staphylococcus aureus in atopicdermatitis, though much less severely or not at all in diseases such aspsoriasis, is not known. Protein A elicits a much less vigorous responsein atopics than in normals or psoriatics, but this may be the resultrather than a cause of colonisation. Attention has recently turned tothe skin lipids and there is some evidence that fatty acids which maycontrol staphylococcal colonisation are deficient in atopics.

Superantigens are a unique group of proteins produced by bacteria andviruses that bypass certain elements of the conventional,antigen-mediated immune sequence. Whereas conventional antigens activateapproximately 0.01% to 0.01% of the body's T cells, a superantigen hasthe ability to stimulate 5% to 30% of the T-cell population. S. aureusmay exacerbate or maintain skin inflammation in AD by secreting a groupof exotoxins that act as superantigens. AD patients possess an alteredskin barrier secondary to an insufficiency of ceramides within thestratum corneum. It has been proposed that penetration of the skin bythese exotoxins may cause activation of T cells, macrophages, LCs, andmast cells, thereby leading to the release of cytokines and mast cellmediators. It is conceivable that these events may provide the basis forinflammation in chronic AD. Speculation remains whether S. aureuscolonisation and local superantigen secretion is a primary or secondaryphenomenon in AD (Andrews' diseases of skin, Chap. 5, Atopic Dermatitis,Eczema, and non-infections immunodeficiency disorders. p. 69-76).

Cutaneous viral, fungal, and bacterial infections occur more commonly inAD patients. Viral infections are consistent with a T cell defect andinclude herpes simples (local or generalised, i.e. exzema herpeticum),molluscum contagiosum, and human papilloma virus. Superficial fungalinfections with Trichophyton rubrum and Pityrosporon ovale also occurfrequently. Bacterial infections, specifically those with S. aureus, areextremely common. Superinfection results in honey-coloured crusting,extensive serous weeping or folliculitis.

Type of Wounds

Acute lesions appear as erythematous papules, vesicles, and erosions;chronic disease consists of fibrotic papules and thickened, lichenifiedskin.

A finding of increasing numbers of pathogenic staphylococci isfrequently associated with weeping, crusting, folliculitis andadenopathy. Secondary staphylococcal infection is frequent and localoedema and regional adenopathy commonly occur during atopic dermatitis.Impetigo can be a sort of secondary infection of atopic dermatitis.

The histology of atopic dermatitis ranges from acute spongioticdermatitis to lichen simplex chronicus, depending on the morphology ofthe skin lesion biopsied.

Sites of Bacteria

Staphylococcus aureus cell walls exhibit receptors, the so-calledadhesins, for epidermal and dermal fibronectin and fribrinogen. It hasbeen demonstrated that the binding of Staphylococcus aureus was mediatedby fibrinogen and fibronectin in AD patients. As the skin of AD patientslacks an intact stratum corneum, dermal fibronectin might be uncoveredand increase the adherence of Staphylococcus aureus. Fibrillar andamorphous structures have been traced between Staphylococcus aureuscells and corneocytes and may results in a bacterial biofilm. It hasbeen observed that Staphylococcus aureus penetrates into intracellularspaces suggesting that the skin surface lipids are deteriorated in ADpatients (see Breuer K et al., 2002, British Journal of Dermatology 147:55-61).

Ulcers

Skin ulcers, such as diabetic foot ulcers, pressure ulcers, and chronicvenous ulcers, are open sores or lesions of the skin characterised bythe wasting away of tissue and sometimes accompanied by formation ofput. Skin ulcers may have different causes, and affect differentpopulations, but they all tend to heal very slowly, if at all, and canbe quite difficult and expensive to treat.

Type of Bacteria

Superficial pressure ulcers are not associated with major infectionproblems. Aerobic microorganisms at low levels will contaminate pressureulcers, but will not impede timely healing. However, deep full-thicknesspressure ulcers can become secondarily infected, and osteomyelitis canoccur. Those pressure ulcers with necrotic tissue contain high levels ofaerobic and anaerobic microorganisms as compared to non-necrotic ulcers;foul smell is usually present when anaerobes invade the tissues. Thus, atreatment strategy is to clear necrotic tissue from the wound, producinga decrease in anaerobe presence.

The infections of pressure ulcers are typically polymicrobial and cancontain Streptococcus pyogenes, enterococci, anaerobic streptococci,Enterobacteriaece, Pseudomonas airuginosa, Bacteroides fragilis andStaphylococcus aureus.

Type of Wounds

Stage I pressure ulcer: Nonblanchable erythema of intact skin,considered to be heralding lesion of skin ulceration.

Stage II pressure ulcer: Partial thickness skin loss involving theepidermis and/or dermis. The ulcer is superficial and presentsclinically as an abrasion, blister, or shallow crater. Because theepidermis may be interrupted by an abrasion, blister, or shallow crater,the ulcer should be evaluated for sings of secondary infections.

Stage III: Full thickness skin loss involving damage or necrosis ofsubcutaneous tissue which may extend down to, but not through,underlying fascia. The ulcer presents clinically as a deep crater withor without undermining of adjacent tissue.

Stage IV: Full thickness skin loss with extensive destruction, tissuenecrosis, or damage to muscle, bone, or supporting structures, such astendons or joint capsules.

Sites of Bacteria

There are three microbiological states that are possible in a wound:contamination, colonisation and infection. Contamination incharacterised as the simple presence of microorganisms in the wound butwithout proliferation. It is generally accepted that all wounds,regardless of aetiology, are contaminated. Colonisation is characterisedas the presence and proliferation of microorganisms in the wound butwithout host reaction. Colonisation is a common condition in chronicwounds such as venous ulcers and pressure ulcers and does notnecessarily delay the healing process. When bacteria invade healthytissues and continue to proliferate to the extent that their presenceand by-products elicit or overwhelm the host immune response, thismicrobial state is known as infection. The classic signs and symptoms ofinfection include local redness, pain and swelling, fever and changes inthe amount and character of wound exudates.

Lung Infections

The compounds of the invention are also suitable for treating a patienthaving an infectious disease of the lung, by administering to thesubject a compound of the invention and irradiating (i.e. illuminating)the lung with light having a wavelength that causes the compound toproduce an anti-microbial effect. Lung infection can occur with avariety of bacterial genera and species, which include Mycobacteriumtuberculosis (tuberculosis), Pseudomonas (primary cause of death ofcystic fibrosis patients), Streptococcus, Staphylococcus pneumoniae,Klebsiella, Toxoplasma, etc. Lung infection can also occur with avariety of virus strains and opportunistic pathogens (fungi, parasites).As pathogens of the lung are increasingly resistant to classicalantibiotic therapies, photodynamic therapy offers an alternative methodfor eliminating these harmful organisms.

The compound of the invention can be administered to the lung in avariety of ways. For example the compound can be administered by therespiratory tract (i.e. intra-tracheally, intra-bronchially, orintra-alveolarly) or through the body wall of the chest. The lightsource can be applied through these routes as well with the help offlexible fibre optics for example. The illumination/irradiation can bedirected to the base of the lung, to the apex of the lung, or both.

Further Indications

The compounds of the invention are also suitable for the curative and/orprophylactic treatment of the following:

Infections of burn sites and skin grafts; otitis (ear infection),bacterial conjunctivitis and other eye infections, periodonititis andother dental infections, and infected bones exposed during surgicalprocedures.

Thus, further aspects of the invention provide the following:

-   -   (i) Use of a compound of the invention in the preparation of a        medicament for use in photodynamic therapy;    -   (ii) Use of a compound of the invention in the preparation of a        medicament for killing and/or preventing growth of        microorganisms, such as bacteria, yeasts, fungi and viruses (for        example, the medicament may be used to prevent or reduce the        spread or transfer of a pathogen to other subjects, e.g.        patients, healthcare workers, etc.);    -   (iii) Use of a compound of the invention in the preparation of a        medicament for the curative and/or prophylactic treatment of a        dermatological infection;    -   (iv) Use of a compound of the invention in the preparation of a        medicament for the curative and/or prophylactic treatment of an        infection of the lungs;    -   (v) Use of a compound of the invention in the preparation of a        medicament for the curative and/or prophylactic treatment of a        wound infection and/or an ulcer;    -   (vi) A method for treating a patient in need of treatment with a        photodynamic therapy agent comprising administering to the        patient a compound of the invention and illuminating/irradiating        the compound; and    -   (vii) A method for preventing wound infection comprising        contacting the wound with a compound of the invention and        illuminating/irradiating the compound (such that a reactive        oxygen species is generated).

In use, the photosensitive compounds of the invention areilluminated/irradiated, i.e. activated, using conventional techniquesknown in the field of photodynamic therapy. Preferably, the compoundsare illuminated/irradiated at a wavelength of between 400 nm and 800 nm.More preferably, the compounds are illuminated/irradiated at awavelength corresponding to one or more of the absorption windows forporphyrin, which lie at around 417 nm (Soret band), 485 nm, 515 nm, 550nm, 590 nm and 650 nm. Most preferably, the compounds areilluminated/irradiated at a wavelength of about 417 nm.

The optimal wavelength will depend on the particular compound and theindication for which is being used. For example, for impetigo, awavelength of 510 to 560 nm is preferred due to the lesion colour. Foropen wounds, a wavelength of 560 to 700 is preferred, with preferencetowards the higher wavelength, in order to minimise activation ofhaemoglobin (minimum at 690 nm).

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art thatillumination/irradiation may take place at various time points afterapplication of the compound of the invention. Typically, the compound isilluminated/irradiated between 5 minutes and 2 hours or between 10minutes and 1 hour. Optimal illumination times may be determined byexperimentation.

Where the compound of the invention is applied to the skin, thewavelength of light can be selected so as to control the depth ofpenetration. For example, for deep penetration longer wavelengths arepreferred. Light intensity and overall light dose may also be varied tocontrol the depth of penetration.

Preferably, the photodynamic therapy agent only penetrates the stratumcorneum.

Likewise, the optimal duration of the exposure of the compound toillumination/radiation will depend on the particular compound and theindication for which is being used. Typically, however, the illuminationtime is between 1 and 30 minutes, more preferably between 5 and 20minutes, for example 10 minutes.

The total amount of illumination/radiation will vary according to thetreatment and localisation of the tissues to be treated. Generally, theamount of illumination/radiation is between 10 and 100 J/cm², preferablybetween 10 and 350 J/cm².

Suitable light sources include the PDT 450L, PDT 650L and PDT 1200 lampsfrom Waldmann AG, Germany. Alternately, white light may be used forcompound activation.

The compounds of the invention may also be used to kill microorganismsin vitro. Thus, a further aspect of the invention provides a sterilisingsolution comprising a compound according to the first and/or secondaspects of the invention. The solution may also take the form of ahandwash or concentrate to be diluted prior to use.

Preferably, the compound of the invention is present in solution at aconcentration of 1 to 100 μg/ml.

Preferably, the solution further comprises a surface-active agent orsurfactant. Suitable surfactants include anionic surfactants (e.g. analiphatic sulphonate), amphoteric and/or zwitterionic surfactants (e.g.derivatives of aliphatic quaternary ammonium, phosphonium and sulfoniumcompounds) and nonionic surfactants (e.g. aliphatic alcohols, acids,amides or alkyl phenols with alkylene oxides.

Conveniently, the surface-active agent is present at a concentration of0.5 to 5 weight percent.

The sterilising solutions of the invention are particularly suited foruse in hospital environments. For example, the sterilising solutions maybe used to sterilise surgical instruments and surgical theatre surfaces,as well as the hands and gloves of theatre personnel. In addition, thesterilising solutions may be used during surgery, for example tosterilise exposed bones. in all cases, the solution is applied to thesurface to be sterilised and then illuminated/irradiated so as toproduce a reactive oxygen species (see above)

Thus, a further aspect of the invention provides a method for killingmicroorganisms in vitro comprising contacting the microorganisms to bekilled with a compound of the invention and illuminating/irradiating thecompound.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred, non-limiting embodiments of the invention will now bedescribed by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawingsin which:

FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of the structure of skin.

FIG. 2 shows the growth inhibition (%) of (A) S. aureus BAA-44 cells and(B) E. coli ATCC 25922 cells illuminated with white light (150 mW/cm²)for 0 or 30 minutes following pre-incubation for 5 minutes with a testcompound at a concentration of 3 μM.

FIG. 3 shows bacterial survival (cell number) of (A) S. aureus BAA-44and (B) E. coli ATCC 25922 cells after incubation with a test compoundat a concentration of 0.1 μM and illumination with light (‘lighttoxicity’, i.e. photodynamic activity) or no illumination (‘darktoxicity’).

FIG. 4 shows the photodynamic activity (open bars) and dark toxicity(shaded bars) of (A) ‘Compound 8’ and (B) ‘Compound 10’ against S.aureus BAA-44 at varying doses.

FIG. 5 shows the effects of sodium azide (50 mM) and D₂O on human dermalfibroblast (NHDF) cells incubated with Compound 10, with and withoutillumination using a light source (236, Waldmann). Triangle/solid line:Compound 10+PBS buffer+light; Squares/solid line: Compound 10+D₂O+light;Circles/solid line: Compound 10+sodium azide+light; Triangles/dottedline: Compound 10+PBS buffer w/o light; Squares/dotted line: Compound10+D₂O w/o light; Circles/dotted line: Compound 10+sodium azide w/olight. (n=3, mean±Std).

FIG. 6 shows the absence of resistance build-up by S. aureus BAA-44following repeated treatments with Compound 10. Data shown as mean with95% confidence limit error bars.

FIG. 7 shows a comparison of survival of clones exposed nine times toPDT treatments with Compound 10 and naïve, untreated clones.

FIG. 8 shows the toxicity of ‘Compound 8’ against human fibroblasts(shaded bars) and S. aureus BAA-44 (open bars) at varying doses.

FIG. 9 shows a dimensional drawing of a 236 light source (Waldmann).

FIG. 10 shows photobleaching of 10 μM Compound 10 illuminated forvarious times with blue light at (A) 15 mW/cm² and (B) 150 mW/cm².

FIG. 11 shows the chemical stability of Compound 10 formulated (A) as asolid, (B) in water and (C) in PBS.

FIG. 12 shows a 3D plot of the stability (measured by HPLC) of Compound10 after 21 days in PBS buffer.

FIG. 13 shows the stability over 8 weeks of various formulations of (A)Compound 1, (B) Compound 8, (C) Compound 12 and (D) Compound 10.

FIG. 14 shows the extended stability over 17 weeks of variousformulations of (A) Compound 10 and (B) Compound 8.

EXAMPLES Example A: Synthesis of Exemplary Compounds

Materials and Methods

NMR-Measurements

Proton NMR spectra were recorded on a Bruker B-ACS60 (300 MHz)instrument using TMS as internal standard. The chemical shifts are givenin ppm and coupling constants in Hz in the indicated solvent. Someabbreviation for NMR: single (s), broad singlet (bs), doublet (d),triplet (t), quartet (q), multiplet (m).

Chemicals

All solvents and reagents were purchased from Aldrich, Fluka, Merck andLancaster and used without further purification.

Dipyrrolmethane was prepared as described by C Brücker et al., J.Porphyrins Phthalocyanines, 2 445 (1998).

Chromatography

Column chromatography was carried out using silica gel (Merck Silicagel60, Fluka 60, 0.040-0.063 mm) and Sephadex LH-20 (Pharmacia). Allsolvents (Synopharm) for chromatography were technical pure grade.

Abbreviations

DDQ: 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyano-p-benzoquinone

DMF: N,N-dimethylformamide

TFA: trifluoroacetic acid

Synthesis Routes for Test Compounds

The following test compounds were synthesised:

Exemplary Compounds of the Invention

Compounds 6, 8 to 10, 12, 23, 25, 28, 31 and 32.

Reference Compounds (For Use as Comparative Controls)

Compounds 1, 3, 16, 19, 26, 29, 33, 36, 37, 39, 41 and 46 to 51.

Chemical Intermediates

Compounds 2, 4, 5, 7, 11, 13 to 15, 17, 18, 20 to 22, 24, 27, 30, 34,35, 38, 40 and 42 to 45.

Compound 1

5,10,15,20-tetrakis-[4-(3-Trimethylammonio-propyloxy)-phenyl]-porphyrintetrachloride

To a vigorously-stirred suspension of5,10,15,20-tetrakis-(4-hydroxy-phenyl)-porphyrin (50 mg, 0.07 mmol) andK₂CO₃ (230 mg, 1.7 mmol) in DMF (20 mL), a solution of(1-bromopropyl)-trimethylammonium bromide (0.27 g, 1.05 mmol) in DMF (5mL) is added dropwise at 50° C. during 30 mins. The mixture is stirredat 50° C. for 15 h. After removal of DMF under reduced pressure, theresidue obtained is dissolved in methanol (5 mL) and filtered through apad of silica gel (depth 2 cm) supported on a steel frit (diameter 3.5cm). After washing with methanol (1 L), the pad is eluted with aceticacid. After evaporation of solvent from the eluate, the residue obtainedis purified by chromatography on a column (2.5×40 cm) of Sephadex LH20eluting with n-butanol:water:acetic acid (4:5:1, by vol., upper phase).The recovered material is dissolved in the minimum volume of methanoland the solution is passed through a short column (3.5×20 cm) of anionexchange resin (Amberlite IRA 400, chloride form). The recoveredtetrachloride salt is dried under high vacuum and obtained as violetcrystals.

¹H—NMR: δ_(H) (300 MHz, CD₃OD): 2.35-2.50 (bs, 8 H), 3.25-3.35 (bs, 36H), 3.65-3.75 (bs, 8 H), 4.35 (m, 8 H), 7.30, 8.10 (2×d, ³J 8.5 Hz, 16H), 8.80-9.00 (bs, 8 H).

Compound 2

5,10,15-tris-(4-Hydroxy-phenyl)-20-(4-undecyloxy-phenyl)-porphyrin

To a vigorously-stirred suspension of5,10,15,20-tetrakis-(4-hydroxy-phenyl)-porphyrin (400 mg, 0.59 mmol) andK₂CO₃ (1.0 g, 7.1 mmol) in DMF (10 mL) is added dropwise at 50° C.during 30 mins and the mixture is stirred at the same temperature for1.5 h. After removal by filtration of K₂CO₃ and removal under reducedpressure of DMF, the residue obtained is dissolved in dichloromethane(200 mL), washed with water (3×150 mL) and the solution dried (Na₂SO₄).The solvent is evaporated under reduced pressure and the residueobtained is dissolved in toluene:ethanol (5:1 by vol., ca. 10 mL) andpurified by chromatography using a column (5×5 cm) of silica gel (Merck60). The column is eluted with toluene followed by toluene:ethyl acetate(2:1 by vol.) and the desired material recovered by evaporation ofsolvent from the appropriate fractions is dried under high vacuum. Theproduct is obtained as violet crystals.

¹H—NMR δ_(H) (300 Mz, d6-acetone): 0.95 (t, ³J 7.5 Hz, 3 H), 1.25-1.35(m, 14 H), 1.58 (quint, ³J 7.5 Hz, 2 H), 1.85 (quint, ³J 7.5 Hz, 2 H),4.16 (t, ³J 7.5 Hz, 2 H), 7.20 (d, ³J 8.1 Hz, 2 H), 7.25 (d, ³J 8.2 Hz,6 H), 8.00-8.15 (m, 8 H), 8.80-9.10 (m, 8 H).

Compound 3

5,10,15-tris-[4-(3-Trimethylammonio-propyloxy)-phenyl]-20-(4-undecyloxy-phenyl)-porphyrintrichloride

To a vigorously-stirred suspension of Compound 2 (100 mg, 0.12 mmol) andK₂CO₃ (230 mg, 1.7 mmol) in DMF (30 mL), a solution of(1-bromopropyl)-trimethylammonium bromide (0.3 g, 16.6 mmol) in DMF (10mL) is added at 50° C. and the mixture is stirred at this temperaturefor 12 h. After removal of the DMF under reduced pressure, the residueobtained is dissolved in methanol (5 mL) and filtered through a pad ofsilica gel (depth 2 cm) supported on a steel frit (diameter 3.5 cm).After washing with methanol (ca. 1 L), the pad is eluted with aceticaced:methanol:water (3:2:1, by vol.). After evaporation of the solventfrom the eluate under reduced pressure, the residue obtained is purifiedby chromatography on a column (2.5×40 cm) of Sephadex LH-20 eluting withn-butanol:water:acetic acid (5:4:1, by vol., upper phase). After removalof the solvent from appropriate fractions of the eluate under reducedpressure, the residue obtained is dissolved in methanol (5 mL) and thesolution is passed through a short column (3.5×20 cm) of anion exchangeresin (Amberlite IRA 400, chloride form). The final product is obtainedas the trichloride salt, after removal of solvent and drying under highvacuum, as violet crystals.

¹H—NMR: δ_(H) (300 MHz, CD₂OD): 0.80 (t, ³J 7.5 Hz, 3 H), 1.15-1.45 (m,16 H), 1.50-1.60 (bs, 2 H), 2.25-2.45 (bs, 6 H), 3.25-3.35 (bs, 27 H),3.75-3.85 (bs, 6 H), 4.18 (t, ³J 7.5 Hz, 2 H), 4.40-4.45 (bs, 6 H),7.20-7.40, 7.95-8.15 (2×m, 16 H), 8.60-9.00 (bs, 8 H).

Compound 4

5-(3,5-Dimethoxy-phenyl)-15-undecyl-porphyrin

To a stirred solution of dipyrrolemethane (0.62 g, 4.2 mmol) indichloromethane (5 mL) is added 3,5-dimethoxybenzaldehyde (0.35 g, 2.1mmol) and dodecanal (0.464 g, 2.52 mmol) in degassed dichloromethane (1L). TFA (0.07 mL, 3.0 mmol) is added dropwise. The solution is stirredat room temperature in the dark for 17 h under argon. After addition ofDDG (2.7 g, 12 mmol), the mixture is stirred at room temperature for afurther hour. Purification of material recovered after removal ofsolvent under reduced pressure by chromatography on a column (400 g) ofsilica gel (Merck 60) with toluene for elution yields the product asviolet crystals.

¹H—NMR: δ_(H) (300 Mz, CDCl₃): 0.80 (t, ³J 7.5 Hz, 3 H), 1.10-1.25 (m,12 H), 1.40 (m, 2H), 1.75 (quint, ³J 7.5 Hz, 2 H), 2.45 (quint, ³J 7.5Hz, 2 H), 3.90 (s, 6H), 4.90 (t, ³J 7.5 Hz, 2 H), 6.80 (m, 1 H), 7.35(m, 2 H), 9.00, 9.25 9.30, 9.50 (4×d, ³J 4.7 Hz, 4×2 H), 10.15 (s, 2H).

Compound 5

5-(15-Undecyl-porphyrin-5-yl)-benzene-1,3-diol

To a solution of Compound 4 (80 mg, 0.133 mmol) in anhydrousdichloromethane (80 mL) under an argon atmosphere, BBr₃ (5 mL, 1M indichloromethane) is added dropwise at −70° C. and the mixture is stirredfor 1 h at this temperature and then warmed to room temperature andstirred overnight. The mixture is cooled to −10° C. and hydrolysed bythe addition of water (2 mL) and stirring for 1 h. NaHCO₃ (3 g) is addeddirectly for neutralisation. The mixture is stirred for a further 12 hand after filtration of NaHCO₃ and removal of dichoromethane undervacuum the residue obtained is purified by column chromatography usingsilica gel eluting with dichloromethane. After evaporation of solventfrom appropriate combined fractions and drying of the residue obtainedunder high vacuum the product is obtained as violet crystals.

¹H—NMR: δ_(H) (300 Mz, d6-acetone): 0.75 (t, ³J 7.5 Hz, 3 H), 1.05-1.25(m, 12 H), 1.30-1.40 (m, 2H), 1.45-1.50 (m, 2 H), 2.40 (quint, ³J 7.5Hz, 2 H), 4.90 (t, ³J 7.5 Hz, 2 H), 6.65 (m, 1 H), 7.18 (m, 2 H),8.60-8.65, 9.00-9.05, 9.35-9.40, 9.55-9.60 (4×m, 8 H), 10.25 (s, 2H).

Compound 6

5-[3,5-bis-(3-Trimethylammonio-propyloxy)-phenyl]-15-undecyl-porphyrindichloride

To a vigorously-stirred suspension of Compound 5 (80 mg, 0.14 mmol) andK₂CO₃ (230 mg, 1.7 mmol) in DMF (30 mL) is added(1-bromopropyl)-trimethylammonium bromide (0.3 g, 16.6 mmol) at 50° C.The mixture is stirred at this temperature for 18 h. After removal ofthe DMF under reduced pressure, the residue obtained is dissolved inmethanol (5 mL) and filtered through a pad of silica gel (depth 2 cm)supported on a steel frit (diameter 3.5 cm). After washing the pad withmethanol (ca. 1 L) the crude product is eluted with aceticacid:methanol:water (3:2:1, by vol.). Appropriate fractions are collectand, after evaporation of the solvent under reduced pressure, theresidue obtained is purified by chromatography on a column (2.5×40 cm)of Sephadex LH-20 eluting with n-butanol:water:acetic acid (5:4:1, byvol., upper phase). After removal of the solvent from appropriatefractions under reduced pressure, the residue obtained is dissolved inmethanol (5 mL) and the solution is passed through a short column(3.5×20 cm) of anion exchange resin (Amberlite IRA 400, chloride form).After collection of the eluate, solvent is removed under reducedpressure and the residue obtained is dried under high vacuum to yieldthe dichloride salt as violet crystals.

¹H—HMR: δ_(H) (300 Mz, CD₃OD): 0.75 (t, ³J 7.5 Hz, 3 H), 1.05-1.20 (m,14 H), 1.45-1.50 (m, 2 H), 2.05-2.15 (m, 4 H), 2.15-2.20 (m, 2 H), 2.95(s, 18 H), 3.35-3.45 (m, 4 H), 3.95 (t, ³J 7.5 Hz, 4 H), 4.55 (t, ³J 7.5Hz, 2 H), 6.85 (m, 1 H), 7.35 (m, 2 H), 8.85-8.90, 9.15-9.20, (3×m, 8H), 10.10 (s, 2 H).

Compound 7

5,15-bis-[4-(3-Bromo-propyloxy)-phenyl]-porphyrin

To a stirred solution of dipyrrolemethane (0.61 g, 4.1 mmol) and4-(3-bromopropyloxy)-benzaldehyde (1.03 g, 4.2 mmol) in degasseddichloromethane (1 L), TFA (0.07 mL, 1.5 mmol) is added dropwise. Thesolution is stirred at room temperature in the dark under argon for 17h. After addition of DDQ (2.76 g, 0.012 mmol), the mixture is stirred atroom temperature for a further hour. Filtration through silica gel(Fluka 60, 100 g) using dichloromethane for elution gives raw productwhich, after recrystallisation from dichloromethane:n-hexane, yieldspure product as violet crystals.

¹H—NMR: δ_(H) (300 Mz, C₆D₆): −3.15 (2 H), 2.00 (quint, ³J 7.5 Hz, 4 H),3.30 (t, ³J 7.5 Hz, 4 H), 3.90 (t, ³J 7.5 Hz, 4 H), 7.15-7.18, 7.95-8.15(2×4 H), 9.15-9.20, (m, 8 H), 10.05 (s, 2H).

Compound 8

5,15-bis-(4-{3-[(3-Dimethylamino-propyl)-dimethylammonio]-propyloxy}-phenyl)-porphyrin dichloride

Compound 7 (200 mg, 0.27 mmol) is dissolved in absolute DMF (40 mL) withN,N,N′,N′-tetramethyl-1,3-propanediamine (5 mL, 13.9 mmol) and thesolution is stirred at 50° C. under argon overnight. After evaporationof the solvent under reduced pressure, the residue obtained is dissolvedin methanol (5 mL) and the solution is filtered through a pad of silicagel (depth 2 cm) supported on a steel frit (diameter 3.5 cm). The pad iseluted with methanol (ca. 1 L) followed by acetic acid:methanol:water(3:2:1, by vol.). After evaporation of the solvent from appropriatefractions, the raw product obtained is dissolved in methanol (5 mL) andfurther purified by chromatography on a column (2.5×40 cm) of SephadexLH-20 using n-butanol:water:acetic acid (4:5:1, by vol., upper phase) asthe developing phase. The first fraction eluted is the desired product.After removal of solvent under reduced pressure the residue obtained isdissolved in methanol (5 mL) and passed through a short column (3.5×20cm) of anion exchange resin (Amberlite IRA 400, chloride form). Afterremoval of solvent under reduced pressure from the eluate, the residueis crystallised from diethylether and dried under high vacuum to givethe product as violet crystals.

¹H—NMR: δ_(H) (300 MHz, CD₃OD): 2.20-2.35 (m, 4 H), 2.40-2.50 (m, 4 H),2.80 (s, 12 H), 3.05 (4 H, t, ³J 7.8, 2 H), 3.25 (s, 12 H), 3.45-3.55(bs, 4 H), 3.65-3.75 (m, 4 H), 4.30 (t, ³J 4.2 Hz, 4 H), 7.40, 8.10(2×d, ³J 7.5 Hz, 2×4 H), 8.95, 9.45 (2×d, ³J 4.2 Hz, 8 H), 10.40 (s, 2H).

Compound 9

5,15-bis-[4-(3-Triethylammonio-propyloxy)-phenyl]-porphyrin dichloride

To a solution of Compound 7 (50 mg, 0.068 mmol) in absolute DMF (20 mL)is added triethylamine (4.7 mL, 0.034 mol, 500 eq.). The mixture isstirred at 60° C. for 24 h. The solvent is removed under reducedpressure and the residue obtained is dissolved in methanol (5 mL) andfiltered through a pad of silica gel (depth 2 cm) supported on a steelfrit (diameter 3.5 cm). After washing with methanol (ca. 1 L) the pad iseluted with acetic acid:methanol:water (3:2:1, by vol.). Afterevaporation of the solvent from the eluted fraction, the raw productobtained is dissolved in methanol (5 mL) and purified by chromatographyon a column (2.5×40 cm) of Sephadex LH-20 eluting withn-butanol:water:acetic acid (4:5:1, by vol., upper phase). The solventsare removed under reduced pressure from appropriate fractions, theresidue obtained is dissolved in methanol (5 mL) and the solution ispassed through a short column (3.5×20 cm) of anion exchange resin(Amberlite IRA 400, chloride form) to yield the product as a violetsolid after evaporation of solvent.

¹H—NMR: δ_(H) (300 Mz, CD₃OD): 1.25 (m, 18H), 2.13 (m, 4H), the signalsfor —CH₂NCH₂ (16H) are in the area 3.00-3.40 as a part of the multipletcovered by the solvent signals, 4.15 (t, 4H, ³J=7.5 Hz), 7.36 (d, 4H,³J=7.5 Hz), 8.15 (d, 4H, ³J=7.5 Hz), 9.05 (d, 4H, ³J=7.5 Hz), 9.54 (d,4H, ³J=7.5 Hz), 10.45 (s, 2H)

Compound 10

5,15-bis-[4-(3-Trimethylammonio-propyloxy)-phenyl]-porphyrin dichloride

A solution of Compound 7 (300 mg, 0.41 mmol) in absolute DMF (50 mL) istransferred into a 100 mL autoclave. After addition of trimethylamine(4.5 g), the mixture is stirred at 50° C. for 16 h. After evaporation ofthe solvent, the residue obtained is dissolved in methanol (5 mL) andthe solution is filtered through a pad of silica gel (depth 2 cm)supported on a steel frit (diameter 3.5 cm). After washing with methanol(ca. 1 L) the pad is eluted with acetic acid:methanol:water (3:2:1, byvol.). After evaporation of the solvent from appropriate fractions, theresidue obtained is dissolved in methanol (5 mL) and purified bychromatography on a column (2.5×40 cm) of Sephadex LH-20, eluting withn-butanol:water:acetic acid (4:5:1, by vol., upper phase). Two fractionsare obtained, the first-eluting of which is the desired product. Thesolvent is removed under reduced pressure and the residue obtained isredissolved in methanol (5 mL) and the solution is passed through ashort column (3.5×20 cm) of anion exchange resin (Amberlite IRA 400,chloride form). After evaporation of the solvent under reduced pressure,the residue is crystallised from methanol:diethyl ether and dried underhigh vacuum to give the product as violet crystals.

¹H—NMR: δ_(H) (300 Mz, CD₃OD): 2.40-2.60 (m, 4 H), 3.30-3.25 (bs, 18 H),3.75-3.80 (m, 4 H), 4.40(t, ³J 7.5 Hz, 4 H), 7.40-8.20 (2×d, ³J 8.5 Hz,8 H), 9.05, 9.50 (2×d, ³J 4.5 Hz, 8 H), 10.45 (s, 2 H).Compound 11

To a stirred solution of dipyrrolemethane (1.22 g, 8.2 mmol) and3-(3-bromo-propyloxy)-benzaldehyde (2.06 g, 8.2 mmol) in degasseddichloromethane (2 L), TFA (0.14 mL, 3 mmol) is added dropwise. Thesolution is stirred at room temperature in the dark for 17 h underargon. After addition of DDQ (5.4 g, 0.024 mol), the mixture is stirredat room temperature for a further 1 h. After removal of solvents underreduced pressure, the residue obtained is dissolved in dichloromethane(5 mL) and passed through a column (300 g) of silica (Fluka 60) usingdichloromethane as eluent to give raw product which is crystallised fromdichloromethane:methanol to yield pure material as violet crystals.

¹H—NMR: δ_(H) (300 Mz, CDCl₃): −3.20 (2 H, s) 2.40 (quint, ³J 7.5 Hz, 4H), 3.65 (t, ³J 7.5 Hz, 4 H), 4.25 (t, ³J 7.5 Hz, 4 H), 7.20-7.25,7.60-7.65, 7.75-7.80 (3×m, 8 H), 9.05, 9.25, (2×d, ³J 4.2 Hz, 8 H),10.25 (s, 2 H).

Compound 12

5,15-bis-[3-(3-trimethylammonio-propyloxy)-phenyl]-porphyrin dichloride

A solution of Compound 11 (400 mg, 0.543 mmol) in DMF (50 mL) istransferred into a 100 mL autoclave. After addition of trimethylamine(6.3 g), the mixture is stirred at 50° C. for 8 h. After evaporation ofthe solvent under reduced pressure, the residue obtained is dissolved inmethanol (5 mL) and the solution is filtered through a pad of silica gel(depth 2 cm) supported on a steel frit (diameter 3.5 cm). After washingthe pad with methanol (ca. 1 L), elution with acetic acid:methanol:water(3:2:1, by vol.) affords fractions which, after evaporation of thesolvent under reduced pressure, gives a solid residue. This dissolved inmethanol (5 mL) and purified by chromatography on a column (2.5×40 cm)of Sephadex LH-20 eluting with n-butanol:water:acetic acid (4:5:1, byvol., upper phase). Two fractions are eluted from the column, the firstof which is the desired product. After removal of the solvent underreduced pressure, the residue obtained is dissolved in methanol (5 mL).The solution is passed through a short column (3.5×20 cm) of anionexchange resin(Amberlite IRA 400, chloride form), the solvent is removedunder reduced pressure and the raw product is crystallised frommethanol:diethylether to give violet crystals which are dried under highvacuum.

¹H—NMR: δ_(H) (300 Mz, CD₃OD): 2.30-2.35 (m, 4 H), 3.15 (s, 18 H),3.95-5.05 (m, 4 H), 4.20-4.25 (m, 4 H), 7.40-7.45, 7.65-7.70, 7.80-7.85(3×m, 8 H), 9.00-9.05, 9.40-9.45, (2×m, 8 H), 10.40 (m, 2 H).

Compound 13

5,15-bis-(4-Hydroxy-phenyl)-10,20-bis-(4-undecyloxy-phenyl)-porphyrin

The third fraction eluted from the column during the chromatographicseparation described for the synthesis of Compound 2 is characterised as5,15-bis-(4-hydroxy-phenyl)-10,20-bis-(4-undecyloxy-phenyl)-porphyrin.

¹H—NMR: δ_(H) (300 MHz, CDCl₃): −2.88 (2 H, s) 0.85 (t, ³J 7.5 Hz, 6 H),1.20-1.40 (m, 28 H), 1.55 (br m, 4 H), 1.80 (quint, ³J 7.5 Hz, 4 H),4.15 (t, ³J 7.5 Hz, 4 H), 6.65, 7.15 (d, ³J 8.1 Hz, 8 H), 7.80, 8.00 (d,³J 8.1 Hz, 8 H), 8.75-8.80 (m, 8 H).

trans-Regioisomer geometry is assigned by ¹H—^(13 C-)2D-NMR in d-aceticacid.

Compound 14

5,10-bis-(4-Hydroxy-phenyl)-15,20-bis-(4-undecyloxy-phenyl)-porphyrin

The fourth fraction eluted from the column during the chromatographicseparation described for the synthesis of Compound 2 is characterised as5,10-bis-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-15,20-bis-(4-undecyloxy-phenyl)-porphyrin

¹H—NMR δ_(H) (300 MHz, CDCl₃): −2.80 (2 H, s), 0.90 (t, ³J 7.5 Hz, 6 H),1.20-1.60 (m, 28 H), 1.65 (quint, ³J 7.5 Hz, 4 H), 2.00 (quint, ³J 7.5Hz, 4 H), 4.22 (t, ³J 7.5 Hz, 4 H), 7.15 (d, ³J 8.1 Hz, 4 H), 7.25 (d,³J 8.2 Hz, 4 H), 8.10 (d, ³J 8.2 Hz, 4 H), 8.15 (d, ³J 8.2 Hz, 4 H),8.80-8.90 (m, 8 H).

cis-Regioisomer geometry is assigned by ¹H—¹³C-2D-NMR in d-acetic acid.

Compound 15

5,10,15-tris-[4-(3-Bromo-propyloxy)-phenyl]-20-(4-undecyloxy-phenyl)-porphyrin

Under an argon atmosphere, Compound 2 (200 mg, 0.24 mmol) is dissolvedin absolute DMF (40 mL) in the presence of K₂CO₃ (500 mg) and1,3-dibromopropane (1.02 mL, 10 mmol). The mixture is heated overnightat 80° C. Work-ups is as the procedure given for Compound 2 describedabove. The product is purified by column chromatography on silica gel(Merck 60) eluting with hexane:ethyl acetate (5:1, by vol.).

¹H—NMR: δ_(H) (300 MHz, CDCl₃): −2.75 (2 H, s), 0.85 (t, ³J 7.5 Hz, 3H), 1.20-1.45 (m, 14 H), 1.50 (quint, ³J 7.5 Hz, 2 H), 1.90 (quint, ³J7.5 Hz, 2 H), 2.40 (quint, ³J 7.4 Hz, 6 H), 3.65 (t, ³J 7.4 Hz, 6 H),4.16 (t, ³J 7.5 Hz, 2 H), 4.25 (t, ³J 7.5 Hz, 6 H), 7.18-7.20 (m, 8 H),8.00-8.05 (m, 8 H), 8.75-8.85 (m, 8 H).

Compound 16

5,10,15-tris-[4-(3-Triethylammonio-propyloxy)-phenyl]-20-(4-undecyloxy-phenyl)-porphyrintrichloride

Compound 15 (200 mg, 0.17 mmol) is dissolved in absolute DMF (40 mL)with triethylamine (5 mL, 34.5 mmol, 208 eq.). The mixture is heated to50° C. for 48 h. After removal of DMF under vacuum, the residue obtainedis dissolved in methanol and purified by column chromatography usingsilica gel (Merck, 60) eluting with methanol:water:acetic acid (2:1:3,by vol.) and then acetic acid:pyridine (1:1, by vol.). Removal ofsolvent from appropriate fractions under vacuum affords raw productwhich is dissolved in methanol:aqueous NaCl (1M) (5 mL, 1:1, by vol.).The mixture is stirred for 30 mins and filtered through a pad of silicagel (depth 2 cm) supported on a steel frit (diameter 3.5 cm). Afterwashing the pad with methanol (200 mL) it is eluted withmethanol:water:acetic acid (2:1:3, by vol.). After evaporation ofsolvent from appropriate combined fractions, the residue obtained isdissolved in methanol (2 mL) and dichloromethane (5 mL) is addeddropwise. The precipitated white gel is collected by filtration and thesolvent is removed under high vacuum.

¹H—NMR: δ_(H) (300 MHz, CD₃OD): 0.90 (t, ³J 7.5 Hz, 3 H), 1.20-1.45 (m,43H), 1.45-1.65 (bs, 2 H), 2.25-2.40 (bs, 6 H), 3.35-3.45 (bs, 24 H),3.50-3.60 (bs, 6 H), 4.25 (t, ³J 7.5 Hz, 2 H), 4.40-4.45 (bs, 6 H),7.25-7.40, 8.10-8.20 (m, 16 H), 8.80-9.10 (bs, 8 H).

Compound 17

5-[4-(3-Hydroxy-phenyl)]-15-(3-undecyloxy-phenyl)-porphyrin

5-15-bis-(3Hydroxy-phenyl)-porphyrin (Wiehe, A., Simonenko, E. J.,Senge, M. O. and Roeder, B. Journal of Porphyrins and Phthalocyanines 5,758-761 (2001)) (86 mg, 0.17 mmol) is dissolved and K₂CO₃ (250 mg, 7.1mmol) is suspended in DMF (40 mL). To the vigorously-stirred mixture asolution of 1-bromoundecane (0.04 mL, 0.17 mmol) in DMF (5 mL) is addeddropwise at 50° C. during 30 mins and the mixture is heated at thetemperature for 1 h. After removal by filtration of K₂CO₃, DMF isremoved under high vacuum. The residue obtained is purified by columnchromatography using silica gel (Merck 60) eluting with n-hexane:ethylacetate (10:1, by vol.). The 2nd fraction is collected and dried underhigh vacuum to give the product.

¹H—NMR: δ_(H) (300 Mz, CDCl₃); −3.15 (2 H), 0.75 (t, ³J 7.5 Hz, 3 H),1.10-1.30 (m, 14 H, 1.35 (m, 2 H), 1.80 (quint, ³J 7.5 Hz, 2 H), 4.05(t, ³J 7.5 Hz, 2 H), 6.85-6.90, 7.20-7.25, 7.35-7.45, 7.50-7,65,7.75-7.80 (5×m, 8 H), 8.85, 8.95, 9.10, 9.20 (4×dm ³J 4.9 Hz, 4×2 H),10.15 (s, 2 H).

Compound 18

5,10,15-tris-(3-Hydroxy-phenyl)-20-(3-dodecyloxy-phenyl)-porphyrin

3-Hydroxybenzaldehyde (1.8 g, 14.8 mmol, 3 equiv.) and3-dodecyloxybenzaldehyde (1.35 g, 4.9 mmol, 1 eqv.) are dissolved in amixture of acetic acid (145 mL) and nitrobenzene (98 mL, 960 mmol) andheated to 120° C. Pyrrole (1.35 mL, 19.6 mmol, 4 eqv.) is added in oneportion and the mixture is stirred at 120° C. for 1 h. After cooling toroom temperature, solvents are removed in vacuo at 50° C. The product isisolated by chromatography on a column (500 g) of silica using tolueneas eluent. The desired product is obtained as the fifth fraction fromthe column and is re-chromatographed using a smaller (200 g) silicacoulmn eluted with toluene. The product is obtained as a violet solidafter evaporation of the solvent.

¹H—NMR: δ_(H) (300 MHz, CDCl₃): 0.64 (t, 3 H, ³J 6.8 Hz), 0.94-1.15 (m,16 H), 1.25 (bs, 2 H), 1.62 (bs, 2 H), 3.90 (bs, 2 H), 6.33-6.95 (m, 8H), 7.08-7.60 (m, 8 H), 8.02-8.47 (m, 4 H), 8.51-8.70 (m, 4 H)

Compound 19

5-{3-[bis-(2-Diethylamino-ethyl)-aminopropyloxy]-phenyl}-15-(3-undecyloxy-phenyl)-porphyrin

Compound 17 (50 mg, 0.065 mmol) is dissolved withN,N,N′,N′-tetraethyldiethylenetriamine (1 mL, 39 mmol) in THF (10 mL)and the mixture is stirred at room temperature for 4 days. Afterevaporation of the solvent, the residue is dissolved in diethyl ether(20 mL) and the solution is washed with water (5×30 mL). The organicphase is dried (Na₂SO₄) and concentrated under high vacuum. The mixtureis purified by column chromatography (silica gel, Merck 60) eluting withn-hexane:ethyl acetate (5:1, by vol.) followed by n-hexane:ethylacetate:triethyl amine (10:10:1, by vol.). After collection ofappropriate fractions and removal of solvent under reduced pressure,pure product is obtained by crystallisation of the residue from diethylether:methanol.

¹H—NMR: δ_(H) (300 Mz, CDCl₃): 0.80 (t, ³J 7.5 Hz, 3 H), 0.9 (t, ³J 7.5Hz, 12 H), 1.20-1.40 (m, 14 H), 1.45 (quint, ³J 7.5 Hz, 2 H), 1.80(quint, ³J 7.5 Hz, 2 H), 1.95 (quint, ³J 7.5 Hz, 2 H), 2.40-2.60 (m, 16H), 2.65 (t, ³J 7.5 Hz, 2 H), 4.10 (t, ³J 7.5 Hz, 2 H), 4.20 (t, ³J 7.5Hz, 2 H), 7.30-7.40, 7.55-7.65, 7.75-7.80 (333 m, 8 H), 910-9.15,9.20-9.25 (2×m, 2×4 H), 10.15 (s, 2 H).

Compound 20

5-[4-(3-Bromo-propyloxy)-phenyl]-15-(4-dodecyloxy-phenyl)-porphyrin

To a stirred solution of dipyrrolemethane (0.31 g, 2.1 mmol),4-3-bromo-proyloxy)-benzaldehyde (0.27 g, 1.1 mmol) and4-dodecyloxy-benzaldehyde (0.32 g, 1.1 mmol) in degassed dichloromethane(500 mL) TFA (0.035 mL, 1.5 mmol) is added dropwise. The solution isstirred at room temperature in the dark for 17 h under argon. Afteraddition of DDQ (1.38 g, 6 mmol), the mixture is stirred at roomtemperature for a further hour. Purification by column chromatographyusing silica gel (Merck 60, 400 g) with toluene as eluent affords theproduct (2^(nd) fraction) together with Compound 7 (3^(rd) fraction).

¹H—NMR: δ_(H) (300 Mz, CDCl₃): −3.15 (2 H), s), 0.09 (t, ³J 7.5 Hz, 3H), 1.20-1.40 (m, 16 H), 1.55 (quint, ³J 7.5 Hz, 2 H), 1.90 (quint, ³J7.5 Hz, 2 H), 2.40 (quint, ³J 7.5 Hz, 2 H), 7.20-7.30, 8.10-8.15 (2×m, 8H), 9.10-9.15, 9.25-9.30 (2×m, 2×4 H), 10.20 (s, 2 H).

Compound 21

5,10,15,20-tetrakis-(3-Hydroxy-phenyl)-porphyrin

3-Hydroxybenzaldehyde (0.910 g, 7.45 mmol) is dissolved in propionicacid (50 mL) and heated to 140° C. Pyrrole (0.52 mL, 7.45 mmol) is addedin one portion and the mixture heated at reflux for 2 h. Stirring iscontinued for an additional 12 h at room temperature. Propionic acid isremoved in vacuo and the residue dissolved in acetone and purified bychromatography on a column (250 g) of silica which is eluted withtoluene containing a continuously increasing proportion of ethylacetate. The product is eluted with toluene:ethyl acetate (6:1 by vol.).Solvent is removed in vacuo to afford the product as a violet solid.

¹H—NMR: δ_(H) (300 MHz, d6-acetone): 7.18 (d, 4H, ³J=8.25 Hz), 7.49 (t,4H), ³J−8.25 Hz), 7.56-7.62 (m, 8H), 8.81 (m, 8 H)

Compound 22

5,10,15-tris-[4-(3-Bromo-propyloxy)-phenyl]-20-(4-dodecyloxy-phenyl)-porphyrin

To a stirred solution of pyrrole (0.7 ml, 10 mmol),4-(3-bromoproyloxy)-benzaldehyde (1.8 g, 7.5 mmol) and4-n-dodecyloxy)-benzaldehyde(0.725 g, 2.5 mmol) in degasseddichloromehtane (1 L) is added TFA (0.085 ml, 10 mmol) dropwise. Thereaction solution is stirred under argon at room temperature in the darkfor 17 h. After addition of DDQ (6.9 g, 30 mmol), the reaction mixtureis stirred at room temperature for a further 1 h. The solvents areremoved under reduced pressure and the residue re-dissolved in toluene.Chromatographic purification on a column (3.5×30 cm) of silica gel(Merck 60) using toluene:n-hexane (1:4 by vol.) as eluent gives crudeproduct which is purified by recrystallisation frommethanol:dichloromethane, giving violet crystals.

¹H—NMR: δ_(H) (300 MHz, CDCl₃): 0.90 (t, ³J 7.5 Hz, 3 H), 1.20-1.45 (m,16 H), 1.60 (quint, ³J 7.5 Hz, 2 H), 1.90 (quint, ³J 7.5 Hz, 2 H), 2.50(quint, ³J 7.4 Hz, 6 H), 3.75 (t, ³J 7.4 Hz, 6 H), 4.20 (t, ³J 7.5 Hz, 2H), 4.35 (t, ³J 7.5 Hz, 6 H), 7.25-7.30 (m, 8 H), 8.15-8.30 (m, 8 H),8.80-8.85 (m, 8 H).

Compound 23

5-{4-[3-Dimethyl-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-ammonio-propyloxy]phenyl}-15-(4-dodecyloxy-phenyl)-porphyrinchloride

Compound 20 (30 mg, 0.038 mmol) is dissolved withN,N,N′,N′-tetramethyl-1,3-propanediamine (156 mg, 1.2 mmol) inTHF:DMF(1:1 by vol., 20 mL) and stirred at 50° C. for 18 h. Afterevaporation of the solvent under reduced pressure, the residue isdissolved in dichloromethane and purified by column chromatography(silica gel Merck 60) eluting with acetic acid:methanol:water (3:2:1, byvol.). After combining appropriate fractions and removal of solventunder reduced pressure, the residue is crystallised fromdichloromethane:hexane to afford the product as violet crystals.

¹H—NMR: δ_(H) (300 Mz, CDCl₃1% acetic acid): 0.85 (m, 3 H), 1.20-1.40(m, 18 H), 1.55-1.60 (m, 2 H), 1.60-1.65 (m, 4H), 2.10-2.20 (bs, 8 H),3.15-3.25 (m, 8 H), 3.75 (bs, 2 H), 4.20 (bs, 2 H), 4.35 (bs, 2 H),7.15-7.20, 8.10-8.15 (2×m, 8 H), 8.95-9.00, 9.10-9.25-9.30 (3×bs, 8 H),10.20 (s, 2H).

Compound 24

5,15-bis-(3-Methoxy-phenyl)-10-undecyl-porphyrin

Into a 50 mL flask containing lithium (500 mg, 71 mmol) is added freshlydistilled diethyl ether (15 mL) under an argon atmosphere. Thesuspension is refluxed for 1 hour, cooled to 15° C. and treated with asolution of a n-undecylbromide (6.58 g, 71 mmol) in ether (6 mL) addeddropwise via syringe. The mixture is cooled to 7-10° C. and, after 5min, when the suspension becomes slightly cloudy and bright spots appearon the lithium metal, the remainder of the n-undecylbromide solution isadded at an even rate over a period of 30 min while the internaltemperature is maintained at below 10° C. Upon completion of addition,the mixture is stirred further for 1 h at 10° C. The suspension isfiltered under argon to remove excess lithium and lithium bromide.

5,15-bis-(3-Methoxy-phenyl)-porphyrin (100 mg, 0.19 mmol) is dissolvedin anhydrous THF (30 mL at −50° C. under an argon atmosphere. Theorganolithium reagent described above (5 mL) is added dropwise to themixture. After 5 min the cooling bath is removed and the mixture iswarmed to room temperature. After stirring at room temperature for 15min the reaction is quenched by slow addition of water (2 mL). After 15min the mixture is oxidized by the addition of DDQ (4 mL, 0.4 mmol, 0.1M in THF) and stirred for a further 15 min. The mixture is filteredthrough alumna (neutral, Brockman grade+) and purified by columnchromatography on silica gel eluting with hexane:dichloromethane (4:1 byvol.) The first fraction is collected and crystallised frommethanol:dichloromethane.

¹H—NMR: δ_(H) (300 Mz, CDCl₃): −3.05 (bs, 2 H), 0.80 (t, ³J 7.5 Hz, 3H), 1.10-1.20 (m, 12 H), 1.25 (m, 2 H), 1.70 (quint, ³J 7.5 Hz, 2 H),2.40 (quint, ³J 7.5 Hz, 2 H), 3.85 (s, 6H), 4.95 (t, ³J 7.5 Hz, 2 H),7.20-7.23, 7.50-7.60, 7.65-7.75 (3×m, 8 H), 8.85-8.90, 9.10-9.15,9.35-9.40 (3×m, 8 H), 9.95 (s, 1H).

Compound 25

3-[({3-{4-[15-(4-Dodecyloxy-phenyl)-porphyrin-5-yl]-phenoxy}-propyl)-dimethyl-ammonio]-propyl}-dimethyl-ammonio)-propyl]-trimethyl-ammoniumtrichloride

Compound 23 (20 mg, 0.022 mmol) and (1-bromopropyl)-trimethyl-ammoniumbromide (26 mg, 0.1 mmol) are dissolved in DMP(15 ml) and stirredovernight at 50° C. After evaporation of the solvent under reducedpressure, the residue is dissolved in methanol (5 ml) and applied to apad (3 cm deep) of silica gel which is washed with methanol (500 ml)followed by acetic acid:methanol:water (3:2:1 by vol.). Afterevaporation of the solvent the residue is purified by columnchromatography (silica gel Merck 60) using at first aceticacid:methanol:water (3:2:1 by vol.) and then pyridine:acetic acid (1:1by vol.). The second fraction eluted is collected and dried undervacuum. The residue is dissolved in methanol (2 ml) and purified bychromatography on a column (2.5×40 cm) of Sephadex LH-20 which is elutedwith n-butanol:acetic acid: water (5:1:4 by vol., upper phase). Afterremoval of solvent under reduced pressure, the residue is dried undervacuum at 80° C. NMR spectroscopy indicates the product is contaminatedwith a small proportion of elimination products.

Compound 26

5,10,15-bis-[4-(3-Diethylamino-propyloxy)-phenyl]-20-(4-dodecyloxy-phenyl)-porphyrin

Compound 22 (50 mg, 0.06 mmol) and freshly distilled diethylamine (5 ml)are dissolved in absolute DMF (30 ml) under argon. The reaction mixtureis stirred at room temperature for 20 h and poured into ethyl acetate(50 ml). The mixture is washed with water (4×50 ml) and, after dryingthe combined organic phases (Na₁SO₄), evaporation of solvent affords aresidue which is purified by chromatography on a column (2.5×30 cm) ofsilica (Merck 60) which is eluted with ethyl acetate:hexane:triethylamine (10:10:1, by vol.). Fractions are combined as appropriate, thesolvent evaporated under reduced pressure and the residue dried underhigh vacuum. Recrystallisation from dichloromethane:n-hexane affordspure product.

¹H—NMR: δ_(H) (300 MHz, CDCl₃): 0.85 (t, ³J 7.5 Hz, 3 H), 1.05 (m, 18H), 1.20-1.45 (m, 18 H), 1.55 (quint, ³J 7.5 Hz, 2 H), 2.15 (quint, ³J7.5 Hz, 6 H), 2.75 (quint, ³J 7.4 Hz, 6 H), 3.15-3.25 (m, 12 H), 4.15(t, ³J 7.5 Hz, 2 H), 4.25 (t, ³J 7.5 Hz, 6 H), 7.15-7.20 (m, 8 H),8.00-8.05 (m, 8 H), 7.95-8.05 (m, 8 H).

Compound 27

5,15-bis-(3-Hydroxy-phenyl)-10-undecyl-porphyrin

To a solution of Compound 24 (95 mg, 0.14 mmol) in anhydrousdichloromethane (80 mL) under an argon atmosphere BBr₃, (6 mL, 1M indichloromethane) is added dropwise at −70° C. and the mixture is stirredfor 1 h. The mixture is warmed to room temperature and stirred overnightthen cooled to −10° C. and hydrolysed by addition of 2 mL water during 1h. NaHCO₃ (3 g) is added directly to neutralisation. The mixture isstirred for a further 12 h. After removal of NaHCO₃ by filtration and ofdichloromethane under vacuum, the residue obtained is purified by columnchromatography using silica gel eluting with dichloromethane. Afterremoval of solvent from appropriate combined fractions and drying underhigh vacuum the product is obtained as violet crystals.

¹H—NMR: δ_(H) (300 Mz, CDCl₃): 3.05 (bs, 2 H, s) 0.85 (t, ³J 7.5 Hz, 3H), 1.20-1.40 (m, 12 H), 1.50 (m, 2 H), 1.80 (quint, ³J 7.5 Hz, 2 H),2.55 (quint, ³J 7.5 Hz, 2 H), 5.00 (t, ³J 7.5 Hz, 2 H), 7.15-7.25,7.50-7.60, 7.80-7.90 (3×m, 8 H), 8.95-9.00, 9.20-9.25, 9.50-9.60 (3×m, 8H), 10.15 (s, 1H).

Compound 28

5,15-bis-[3-(3-Trimethylammmonio-proploxy)-phenyl]-10-undecyl-porphyrindichloride

To a solution of Compound 27 (50 mg, 0.08 mmol) in DMF (20 mL) under anargon atmosphere K₂CO₃ (100 mg, 0.72 mmol) and(3-bromopropyl)-trimethlammonium bromide (300 mg, 1.2 mmol) are addedand the mixture is stirred at 50° C. for 18 h. After removal of solventunder high vacuum the residue obtained is dissolved in methanol (5 mL)and filtered through a pad of silica gel (depth 2 cm) supported on asteel frit (diameter 3.5 cm). After washing the pad with methanol (500mL) it is eluted with acetic acid:methanol:water (3:2:1, v:v). Afterdrying of appropriate combined fractions under high vacuum the residueis dissolved in methanol and purified by column chromatography onSephadex LH-20 eluting with n-butanol:acetic acid:water (5:1:4, by vol.,upper phase). After evaporation of solvent the residue obtained from thefirst fraction eluted is dissolved in methanol and passed through ashort column of anion exchange resin (Amberlite IRA 400, chloride form)to give, after evaporation of solvent, the pure product.

¹H—NMR: δ_(H) (300 Mz, CD₃OD): 0.85 (t, ³J 7.5 Hz, 3 H), 1.20-1.40 (m,12 H), 1.50 (m, 2 H), 1.80 (m, 2 H), 2.40 (bs, 4 H), 2.55 (m, 2 H), 3.20(bs, 18 H), 3.65 (bs, 4 H), 4.35 (bs, 4 H), 5.10 (m, 2 H), 7.50-7.55,7.70-7.85 (2×m, 8 H), 8.95-9.00, 9.25-9.24, 9.50-9.70 (3×bs, 8 H), 10.15(bs, 1H).

Compound 29

5,10-bis-[4-(3-Trimethylammonio-propyloxy)-phenyl]-15,20-bis-(4-undecyloxy-phenyl)-porphyrindichloride

Compound 14 (50 mg, 0.05 mmol) is dissolved and K₂CO₃ (150 mg, 1.1 mmol)is suspended in DMF (30 mL). To the vigorously-stirred mixture asolution of (1-bromopropyl)-trimethylammonium bromide (0.3 g, 16.6 mmol)in DMF (10 mL) is added dropwise at 50° C. and the mixture is heated for18 h. After removal of DMF under high vacuum, the residue obtained isdissolved in methanol (5 mL) and filtered through a pad of silica gel(depth 2 cm) supported on a steel frit (diameter 3.5 cm). After washingthe pad with methanol (ca. 500 mL) it is eluted with aceticacid:methanol:water (3:2:1, by vol.). After evaporation of solvent fromappropriate combined fractions the residue obtained is purified bychromatography on a column (2.5×40 cm) of Sephadex LH-20 eluting withn-butanol:water:acetic acid (5:4:1, by vol., upper phase). After removalof solvent under reduced pressure the residue obtained is dissolved inmethanol and passed through a short column (3.5×20 cm) of anion exchangeresin (Amberlite IRA 400, chloride form). After evaporation of solventunder reduced pressure, the product is dried under high vacuum.

¹H—NMR: δ_(H) (300 MHz, CD₃OD): 0.80 (t, ³J 7.5 Hz, 6 H), 1.15-1.35 (m,28 H), 1.35-1.45 (bs, 4 H), 1.70-1.80 (bs, 4 H), 2.30-2.40 (bs, 4 H),3.15-3.30 (bs, 18 H), 3.65-3.75 (bs, 4 H), 4.00-4.05 (m, 4 H), 4.30-4.40(bs, 4 H), 7.00-7.15, 7.20-7.30, 7.80-95, 7.95-8.15 (4×m, 4×4 H),8.60-9.00 (bs, 8 H).

Compound 30

5,10,15-tris-(3-Hydroxy-phenyl)-20-(3-undecyloxy-phenyl)-porphyrin

Pyrrole (1.31 g, 19.6 mmol) is added in one portion to a mixture of3-hydroxybenzaldehyde (1.8 g, 14.8 mmol) in acetic acid (145 mL) andnitrobenzene (118 g, 960 mmol) preheated to 130° C. and the mixture isstirred for 1 hour at 120° C. The mixture is cooled and solvent removedunder high vacuum. The residue is dissolved in dichloromethane (5 mL)and purified by column chromatography using silica gel (Merck 60)eluting with hexane:toluene (4:1, by vol.). The product is obtainedafter removal of solvent from the eluate under reduced pressure anddrying the obtained residue under vacuum.

¹H—NMR: δ_(H) (300 Mz, CDCl₃): 0.75-0.80 (m, 3 H), 1.05-1.35 (m, 14 H),1.40-1.50 (m, 2 H), 1.75-1.85 (m, 2 H), 3.90-4.10 (m,2 H), 6.90-7.70 (m,16 H), 8.45-8.80 (m, 8 H).

Compound 31

5-{4-[3-Dimethyl-(3-trimethylammonio-propyl)-ammonio-propyloxy]-phenyl}-15-(4-dodecyloxy-phenyl)-porphyrindichloride

Compound 23 (50 mg, 0.055 mmol)is dissolved with methyl iodide (5 mL, 80mmol) in absolute DMF(30 mL) and the mixture is stirred at 40° C. for 3h. After evaporation of solvent the residue obtained is dissolved inmethanol (5 mL) and filtered through a pad of silica gel (depth 2 cm)supported on a steel frit (diameter 3.5 cm). After washing the pad withmethanol (ca. 1 L) it is eluted with dichloromethane:methanol (2:3 byvol., 500 mL) and then acetic acid:water:methanol (3:1:2, by vol.).After removal of solvent from appropriate pooled fractions the residueobtained is dissolved in acetic acid and purified by columnchromatography on Sephadex LH-20 eluting with acetic acid. Afterevaporation of solvent from appropriate pooled fractions and drying theresidue obtained under high vacuum, the residue is dissolved in methanoland passed through a small column (3.5×20 cm) of anion exchange resin(Amberlite IRA 400, chloride form). After evaporation of solvent fromthe eluate, the product is dried under high vacuum.

Compound 32

5-[4-(3-Dimethyldecyl-ammoniopropyloxy)-phenyl]-15-{4-[3-dimethyl-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-ammoniopropyloxy]-phenyl}-porphyrindichloride

Compound 23 (50 mg, 0.068 mmol) is dissolved withN,N,N′,N′-tetramethyl-1,3-propanediamine (354 mg, 1.36 mmol) andN,N-demethyldecylamine (1 g, 2.72 mmol) in DMF:THF(30 mL, 1:1, by vol.)and the mixture is stirred at 50° C. overnight. After evaporation of thesolvent under reduced pressure the residue obtained is dissolved inmethanol (10 mL) and filtered through a pad of silica gel (depth 2 cm)supported on a steel frit (diameter 3.5 cm). After washing the pad withmethanol (ca. 500 mL) it is eluted with acetic acid:methanol:water(3:2:1, by vol.). The first two fractions eluted are combined and afterevaporation of the solvent under reduced pressure the residue obtainedis dissolved in methanol and purified by chromatography on a column(2.5×40 cm) of Sephadex LH-20 eluting with n-butanol:water:acetic acid(4:5:1, by vol.). After removal of solvent under reduced pressure fromthe second fraction eluted, the residue is dissolved in methanol (5 mL)and passed through a short column (3.5×20 cm) of anion exchange resin(Amberlite IRA 400, chloride form). The eluate is evaporated to drynessand the residue obtained is dried under high vacuum to afford theproduct.

¹H—NMR: δ_(H) (300 MHz, CD₃OD): 0.80 (m, 3 H), 1.05-1.25 (m, 10 H),1.25-1.40 (bs, 2 H), 1.80-1.90 (bs, 4 H), 2.15-2.30 (bs, 2 H), 2.80-3.60(m, 20 H), 3.80-3.95 (bs, 4 H), 7.05-7.15, 7.85-8.00 (2×m, 2×4 H),9.20-9.35 (2×bs, 2×4 H), 10.15 (bs, 2 ).

Compound 33

5,10,15-tris[3-(3-Trimethyl-ammoniopropyloxy)-phenyl]-20-(3-undecyloxy-phenyl)-porphyrintrichloride

Compound 30 (100 mg, 0.12 mmol) is dissolved and K₂CO₃ (230 mg, 1.7mmol) is suspended in DMF (30 mL). To the vigorously-stirred mixture asolution of (1-bromopropyl)-trimethylammonium bromide (0.3 g, 16.6 mmol)in DMF (10 mL) is added dropwise at 50° C. during 30 mins and themixture is heated for 18 h. After removal of DMF under reduced pressure,the residue obtained is dissolved in methanol (5 mL) and filteredthrough a pad of silica gel (depth 2 cm) supported on a steel frit(diameter 3.5 cm). After washing the pad with methanol (ca. 500 mL) itis eluted with acetic acid:methanol:water (3:2:1, by vol.). Afterevaporation of solvent from appropriate combined fractions under reducedpressure, the residue is purified by chromatography on a column (2.5×40cm) of Sephadex LH-20 eluting with n-butanol:water:acetic acid (5:4:1,by vol., upper phase). After removal of solvent under reduced pressurefrom the eluate, the residue obtained is dissolved in methanol and thesolution is passed through a short column (3.5×20 cm) of anion exchangeresin (Amberlite IRA 400, chloride form). Evaporation of solvent fromthe eluate gives the product which is dried under high vacuum.

¹H—NMR: δ_(H) (300 MHz, CD₃OD): 0.75-0.80 (m, 3 H), 1.00-1.40 (m, 18 H),1.60-1.80 (bs, 2 H), 2.25-2.40 (bs, 6 H), 3.29 (bs, 27 H), 3.40-3.60 (m,6 H), 3.90-4.00 (m, 2 H), 4.05-4.25 (m, 6 H), 7.10-7.20, 7.25-7.40,7.60-7.80, 7.80-7.90 (4×m, 16H), 8.70-9.00 (bs, 8 ).

Compound 34

5,15bis-(3-Hydroxy-phenyl)-porphyrin

This is prepared as described by Wiehe, A., Simonenko, E. J., Senge, M.O. and Roeder, B. Journal of Porphyrins and Phthalocyanines 5, 758-761(2001).

Compound 35

5,10,15-tris-(4-Hydroxy-phenyl)-20-4-tetradecyloxy-phenyl)-porphyrin

5,10,15,20-tetrakis-(4-Hydroxy-phenyl-porphyrin (170 mg, 0.25 mmol) isdissolved and K₂CO₃ (0.65 g, mmol) is suspended in DMF (30 mL). To thevigorously stirred reaction mixture a solution of 1-bromotetradecane(0.1 mL, 0.45 mmol) in DMF (10 mL) is added dropwise at 50° C. during 30mins and the mixture is heated for 1.5 h. After evaporation of solvent,the residue is dissolved in toluene:ethanol (1:1 by vol., ca. 5 mL) andpurified by chromatography using a column (5×25 cm) of silica gel (Merck60) which is washed with toluene. After the elution of the first 3fractions, elution is continued using toluene:ethyl acetate (2:1 byvol.). The fifth compound eluted is collected, the solvent evaporatedand the residue dried under high vacuum to afford product as violetcrystals.

¹H—NMR: δ_(H) (300 MHz, d6-acetone): 0.85 (t, ³J 7.5 Hz, 3 H), 1.15-1.55(m, 20 H), 1.45 (quint, ³J 7.5 Hz, 2 H), 1.75 (quint, ³J 7.5 Hz, 2 H),4.10 (t, ³J 7.5 Hz, 2 H), 7.20 (d, ³J 8.5 Hz, 2 H), 7.25 (d, ³J 8.5 Hz,6 H), 8.00-8.15 (m, 8 H), 8.80-9.10 (m, 8 H).

Compound 36

5,10,15-tris-[4-(3-Trimethyl-ammoniopropyloxy)-phenyl]-20-(4-tetradecyloxy-phenyl)-porphyrintrichloride

The n-tetradecyloxy-analogue of Compound 2, prepared similarly asdescribed above for Compound 2 but using 1-bromotetradecane in place of1-bromoundecane. (50 mg, 0.057 mmol) and(1-bromopropyl)-trimethylammonium bromide (210 mg, 0.8 mmol) aredissolved and K₂CO₃ (2.30 mg, 1.7 mmol) is suspended in DMF (20 mL). Thevigorously stirred mixture is stirred at this temperature for 18 h.After removal of DMF under reduced pressure the residue obtained isdissolved in methanol (5 mL) and filtered through a pad of silica gel(depth 2 cm) supported on a steel frit (diameter 3.5 cm). After washingthe pad with methanol (ca. 500 mL) it is eluted with aceticacid:methanol:water (3:2:1, by vol.). After evaporation of the solventfrom appropriately combined fractions, the residue obtained is purifiedby chromatography on a column (2.5×40 cm) of Sephadex LH-20 eluting withn-butanol:water:acetic acid (4:5:1, by vol., upper phase) for separationfrom the excess of ammonium salt and other contaminating materials.After elution and removal of the solvent from appropriate fractions, theresidue obtained is dissolved in methanol (5 mL) and passed through ashort column (3.5×20 cm) of anion exchange resin(Amberlite IRA 400,chloride form). Solvent is removed under reduced pressure and theresidue obtained is dried under high vacuum to afford the product asviolet crystals.

¹H—NMR: δ_(H) (300 MHz, CD₃OD): 0.75 (t, ³J 7.5 Hz, 3 H), 0.95-1.25 (m,22 H), 1.50-1.65 (bs, 2 H), 2.20-2.40 (bs, 6 H), 3.05-3.15 (bs, 27 H),3.45-3.60 (bs, 6 H), 3.60-3.80 (bs, 2 H), 4.05-4.25 (bs, 6 H),6.80-7.25, 7.65-8.05, (2×m, 16H), 8.45-8.95 (bs, 8 H).

Compound 37

5-(4-{3-[2,4,6-tris-(Dimethylaminomethyl)-phenyloxy]-propyloxy}-phenyl)-15-(4-dodecyloxy-phenyl)-porphyrin

Compound 20 (50 mg, 0.063 mmol) is dissolved in DMF (20 mL) in thepresence of 2,4,6-tris-(dimethylaminomethyl)-phenol (1 mL, 3.7 mmol) andstirred at 50° C. overnight. After evaporation of the solvent, theresidue is crystallised from dichloromethane:methanol to remove theexcess of amine. After filtration, the porphyrins are re-dissolved indichloromethane and purified by chromatography of a column of silica gel(Merck 60) which is washed with dichloromethane. Evaporation of solventunder reduced pressure and recrystallisation of the residue fromdichloromethane:methanol gives the product as violet crystals.

¹H—NMR: δ_(H) (300 Mz, CDCl₃): 3.15 (2 H), 0.85 (t, ³J 4.5 Hz, 3 H),1.20-1.40 (m, 18 H), 1.55 (quint, ³J 4.5 Hz, 2 H), 1.90 (quint, ³J 4.5Hz, 2 H), 2.20 (s, 18 H), 2.55 (t, ³J 5.2 Hz, 2 H), 3.45 (s, 6 H), 4.15(t, ³J 5.5 Hz, 2 H), 4.20 (t, ³J 5.5 Hz, 2 H), 4.35 (t, ³J 7.5 Hz, 2 H),6.85 (2×s, 2 H), 7.20-7.30, 8.10-8.15 (2×m, 8 H), 9.00-9.05, 9.25-9.30(2×m, 2×4 H), 10.20 (s, 2 H).

Compound 38

5,10,15-tris-(4-Hydroxy-phenyl)-20-(4-decyloxy-phenyl)-porphyrin

5,10,15,20-tetrakis-(4-Hydroxy-phenyl)-porphyrin (100 mg, 0.15 mmol) isdissolved and K₂CO₃ (230 mg) is suspended in DMF (30 mL). To thevigorously stirred reaction mixture a solution of 1-bromodecane (0.016mL, 0.11 mmol) in DMF (10 mL) is added dropwise at 70° C. during 30 minsand the mixture is stirred for 1.5 h. After evaporation of solvent, theresidue is dissolved in toluene:ethanol (1:1 by vol., ca. 3 mL) andpurified by chromatography on a column (150 g) of silica gel (Merck 60)using toluene as eluent. After elution of the first 3 fractions, thecolumn is eluted with toluene:ethyl acetate (2:1 by vol.) and the 5^(th)fraction eluted is collected, the solvent removed and the residue driedunder high vacuum to give the product as violet crystals.

¹H—NMR: δ_(H) (300 Mz, d6-acetone): 0.95 (t, ³J 7.5 Hz, 3 H), 1.25-1.55(m, 12 H), 1.55 (quint, ³J 7.5 Hz, 2 H), 1.85 (quint, ³J 7.5 Hz, 2 H),4.15 (t, ³J 7.5 Hz, 2 H), 7.20 (d, ³J 8.5 Hz, 2 H), 7.25 (d, ³J 8.5 Hz,6 H), 8.00-8.15 (m, 8 H), 8.80-9.10 (m, 8 H).

Compound 39

5,10,15-tris-[4-(3-Trimethylammonio-propyloxy)-phenyl]-20-(4-decyloxy-phenyl)-porphyrintrichloride

Compound 38 (50 mg, 0.061 mmol) and (1-bromopropyl)-trimethylammoniumbromide (210 mg, 0.8 mmol) are dissolved and K₂CO₃ (230 mg, 1.7 mmol) issuspended in DMF (20 mL). The vigorously stirred reaction mixture isheated at 50° C. for 18 h. After evaporation of solvent, the raw productis dissolved in methanol and purified by chromatography on a column(2.5×40 cm) of Sephadex, eluting with n-butanol:water:acetic acid(4:5:1, by vol., upper phase). After removal of the solvent, the residueis dissolved in methanol and passed through a column (3.5×20 cm) ofAmberlite IRA-400 (chloride form). After evaporation of solvent, theproduct is dried under high vacuum and yields violet crystals.

¹H—NMR: δ_(H) (300 MHz, CD₃OD): 0.90 (t, ³J 7.5 Hz, 3 H), 1.20-1.40 (m,12 H), 1.45-1.60 (bs, 2 H), 1.80-1.90 (bs, 2 H), 2.45-2.55 (bs, 6 H),3.25-3.35 (bs, 27 H), 3.75-3.85 (bs, 6 H), 4.05-4.25 (m, 2 H), 4.35-4.40(bs, 6 H), 7.10-7.40, 7.95-8.15 (2×m, 16 H), 8.60-9.00 (bs, 8 H).

Compound 40

5,10,15-tris-(4-Hydroxy-phenyl)-20-(4-tridecyloxy-phenyl)-porphyrin

5,10,15.20-tetrakis-(4-Hydroxy-phenyl)-porphyrin (400 mg, 0.59 mmol) isdissolved and K₂CO₃ (1.0 g, 7.1 mmol) is suspended in DMF (75 mL). Tothe vigorously stirred reaction mixture a solution of 1-bromotridecane(0.1 mL, 0.45 mmol) in DMF (10 mL) is added dropwise at 50° C. during 30mins and the mixture is then heated for 1.5 h. The reaction mixture iscooled to room temperature and poured into water (150 mL). Theporphyrins are extracted with ethyl acetate (100 mL) and the extractwashed with brine (3×50 mL) and dried (Na₂SO₄). After evaporation ofsolvent, the residue is dissolved in toluene:ethanol (1:1, by vol., ca.10 mL) and purified by chromatography using a column (200 g) of silicagel (Merck 60) with toluene as the eluent. After the elution of thefirst three compounds, the eluent is changed to toluene:ethyl acetate(2:1, by vol.). The fifth compound eluted is collected and dried underhigh vacuum to yield product as violet crystals.

¹H—NMR: δ_(H) (300 Mz, d6-acetone): 0.85 (t, ³J 7.5 Hz, 3 H), 1.20-1.60(m, 18 H), 1.50 (quint, ³J 7.5 Hz, 2 H), 1.80 (quint, ³J 7.5 Hz, 2 H),4.14 (t, ³J 7.5 Hz, 2 H), 7.20 (d, ³J 8.5 Hz, 2 H), 7.25 (d, ³J 8.5 Hz,6 H), 8.00-8.15 (m, 8 H), 8.80-9.10 (m, 8 H).

Compound 41

5-(4-Tridecyloxy-phenyl)-10,15,20-tris[4-(3-trimethylammonio-propyloxy)phenyl]-porphyrin trichloride

Compound 40 (50 mg, 0.057 mmol) and (1-bromopropyl)-trimethylammoniumbromide (210 mg, 0.8 mmol) are dissolved and K₂CO₃ (230 mg, 1.7 mmol issuspended in DMF (20 mL). The vigorously stirred reaction mixture isheated at 50° C. for 18 h. After removal of DMF, the residue isdissolved in methanol (5 mL) and applied to a pad (2 cm thick) of silicagel which is washed with methanol (ca. 1000 mL) and then eluted withacetic acid:methanol:water (3:2:1 by vol.). After evaporation of thesolvent the residue is dissolved in methanol and further purified bychromatography on a column (2.5×40 cm) of Sephadex LH-20 which is elutedwith n-butanol:water:acetic acid (4:5:1 by vol., upper phase). Afterremoval of solvent, the residue is dissolved in methanol and passedthrough a short column (3.5×20 cm) of anion exchange resin (AmberliteIRC 400, chloride form). After evaporation of solvent, the product isdried under high vacuum to afford violet crystals.

¹H—NMR: δ_(H) (300 MHz, CD₃OD): 0.90 (t, ³J 7.5 Hz, 3 H), 1.20-1.40 (m,18 H), 1.45-1.60 (m, 2 H), 1.80-1.90 (bs, 2 H), 2.40-2.55 (bs, 6 H),3.25-3.35 (bs, 27 H), 3.75-3.85 (bs, 6 H), 4.05-4.25 (m, 2 H), 4.35-4.40(bs, 6 H), 7.10-7.40, 7.90-8.15 (2×m, 16 H), 8.60-9.00 (bs, 8 H).

Compound 42

5,15-bis-(4-Hydroxy-phenyl)-porphyrin

This is prepared as described by Mehta, Goverdhan; Muthusamy,Sengodagounder; Maiya, Bhasker G.; Arounaguiri, S., J. Chem. Soc. PerkinTrans. I; 2177-2182 (1999).

Compound 43

5,10,15-tris-(4-Hydroxy-phenyl)-20-(4-octyloxy-phenyl)-porphyrin

5,10,15,20-tetrakis-(4-Hydroxy-phenyl)-porphyrin (200 mg, 0.294 mmol) isdissolved and potassium carbonate (487 mg, 3.53 mmol, 12 eqv.) issuspended under argon in absolute DMF (50 mL) and the mixture is heatedto 55° C. A solution of octyl bromide (35.8 μl, 0.206 mmol, 0.7 eqv.) inabsolute DMF (10 mL) is added dropwise during 30 min. and the mixture isstirred at 55° C. for 2 h. The solvent is removed in vacuo at 50° C.,water (80 mL) is added and the mixture is extracted with ethyl acetate(3×40 mL). The combined organic fraction is dried (Na₂SO₄) and thesolvent evaporated. The residue is purified by chromatography on acolumn (300 g) of silica gel. Tetra-alkylated and tri-alkylatedcompounds are eluted with toluene:ethyl acetate (30:1 by vol.). Thethird fraction (di-substituted compound, trans-isomer) is eluted withtoluene:ethyl acetate (15:1 by vol.). The fourth fraction(di-substituted compound, cis-isomer) is eluted with toluene:ethylacetate (10:1 by vol.) and the desired product (mono-alkylated compound)is eluted with toluene:ethylacetate (5:1 by vol.). The solvent isremoved under reduced pressure and the residue dried under high vacuumto give the product as a violet solid.

¹H—NMR: δ_(H) (300 MHz, d6-acetone): 0.75 (t, ³J=6.8 Hz), 1.13-1.25 (m,8H), 1.43 (quint, ³J=7.5 Hz), 1.73 (quint, 2 H, ³J=7.5 Hz), 3.50 (t,³J=8 Hz), 7.11 (d, 2H, ³J=7.5 Hz), 7.16 (d, 6 H, ³J=7.5 Hz), 7.90-7.94(m, 8H), 8.80-8.90 (m, 8 H)

Compound 44

5-(4-Dodecyloxy-phenyl)-10,15,20-tris-(4-hydroxy-phenyl)-porphyrin

5,10,15,20-tetrakis-(4-Hydroxy-phenyl)-porphyrin (200 mg, 0.294 mmol) isdissolved and potassium carbonate (487 mg, 3.53 mmol, 12 eqv.) insuspended under argon in absolute DMF (50 mL) and the mixture is heatedto 55° C. A solution of dodecyl bromide (49.4 μl, 0.206 mmol), 0.7 eqv.)in absolute DMF (10 mL) is added dropwise during 30 min. The mixture isstirred at 55° C. for 2 h. The solvent is removed in vacuo at 50° C.,water (80 mL) is added and the mixture extracted with ethyl acetate(3×40 mL). The combined organic fractions are dried (Na₂SO₄) and thesolvent evaporated. The product is isolated by chromatography on acolumn (300 g) of silica. Tetra-alkylated and tri-alkylated compoundsare eluted with toluene:ethyl acetate (30:1 by vol.), di-substitutedcompound (trans-isomer) with toluene:ethyl acetate (15:1 by vol.),di-substituted compound (cis-isomer) with toluene:ethyl acetate (10:1 byvol.) and the desired product (mono-alkylated compound) withtoluene:ethyl acetate (5:1 by vol). Solvent is removed in vacuo and theresidue dried at high vacuum to give product as a violet solid.

¹H—NMR: δ_(H) (300 MHz, d6-acetone): 0.75 (t, 3H, ³J=6.8 Hz), 1.13-1.25(m, 16H), 1.41 (quint, 2H, ³J=7.5 Hz), 1.63 (quint, 2 H, ³J=7.5 Hz),3.89 (t, 2H), ³J=6 Hz), 7.11 (d, 2H, ³J=7.5 Hz), 7.16 (d, 6H, ³J=7.5Hz), 7.9-7.94 (m, 8H), 8.78-8.83 (m, 8 H)

Compound 45

5,10,15-tris-(4-Hydroxy-phenyl)-20-(4-nonyloxy-phenyl)-porphyrin

5,10,15,20-tetrakis-(4-Hydroxy-phenyl)-porphyrin (200 mg, 0.294 mmol) isdissolved and potassium carbonate (487 mg, 3.53 mmol, 12 eqv.) issuspended under argon in absolute DMF (50 mL) and the mixture heated to55° C. A solution nonyl bromide (49.4 μl, 0.206 mmol, 0.7 eqv.) inabsolute DMF (10 mL) is added dropwise during 30 min. The mixture isstirred at 55° C. for 2 h. The solvent is removed in vacuo at 50° C.,water (80 mL) is added and the mixture extracted with ethyl acetate(3×40 mL). The combined organic extracts are dried (Na₂SO₄) and solventremoved under reduced pressure. The product is isolated bychromatography on a column (300 g) of silica. Tetra-alkylated andtri-alkylated compounds are eluted with toluene:ethyl acetate (30:1 byvol.), di-substituted compound (trans-isomer) with toluene:ethyl acetate(15:1 by vol.), di-substituted compound (cis-isomer) with toluene:ethylacetate (10:1 by vol.) and the desired product (mono-alkylated compound)is eluted with toluene:ethyl acetate (5:1 by vol.). The solvent isremoved under reduced pressure and the residue dried at high vacuum toafford the product as a violet solid.

¹H—NMR: δ_(H) (300 MHz, d6-acetone): 0.87 (t, 3H, ³J=7.5 Hz), 1.14-1.26(m, 10H), 1.41 (quint, 2H), 1.70 (quint, 2H, ³J=7.5 Hz), 3.92 (t, 2H,³J=7.5 Hz), 7.02 (d, 2H, ³J=8.25 Hz), 7.15 (d, 6H, ³J=7.5 Hz), 7.85 (d,2H, ³J=8.25 Hz), 7.91 (d, ³J=7.5 Hz), 8.76-8.84 (m, 8 H)

Compound 46

5-(4-Octyloxy-phenyl)-10,15,20-tris-[4-(3-trimethylammonio-propyloxy)-phenyl]-porphyrintrichloride

Compound 43 (50 mg, 0.053 mmol) and 3-bromopropyl)-trimethylammoniumbromide (164 mg, 0.63 mmol, 10 eqv.) are dissolved and potassiumcarbonate (130 mg, 0.95 mmol, 15 eqv.) is suspended under argon inabsolute DMF (30 mL) and the mixture is stirred at 55° C. for 12 h. Thesolvent is removed in vacuo at 50° C. and the residue applied to a pad(2 cm deep) of silica. The unreacted ammonium salts are washed off withmethanol (1000 mL) and the product is eluted with aceticacid:methanol:water (3:2:1 by vol.). The solvent is removed underreduced pressure and the residue further purified by chromatography on acolumn (100 g) of Sephadex LH-20 using n-butanol:water:acetic acid(4:5:1 by vol., upper phase) as the eluent. The solvents are removedunder reduced pressure and the residue dissolved in methanol and passedthrough a small column of anion exchange resin (Amberlite IRA 400,chloride form) using methanol as eluent. After evaporation of solvent,the crude product is dissolved in the minimum amount of methanol anddiethylether (50 mL) added. The solution is centrifuged for 15 min. Thesupernatant liquid is evaporated to dryness and the residue dried athigh vacuum to give the product as a violet solid.

¹H—NMR: δ_(H) (300 MHz, CD₃OD): 0.90 (t, 3H, ³J=7.5 Hz), 1.25-1.41 (m,8H), 1.45 (bs, 2H), 1.87 (bs, 2H), 2.38 (bs, 6H), 3.29 (bs, 27H), 3.67(t, 6H, ³J=7.5 Hz), 4.01 (t, 2H, ³J=7.5 Hz), 4.30 (t, 6H, ³J=7.5 Hz),7.11 (d, 2H, ³J=7.5 Hz), 7.38 (d, 6H, ³J=7.5 Hz), 7.95 (d, 2H, ³J=7.5Hz), 8.11 (d, 6H, ³J=7.5 Hz), 8.93 (bs, 8H)

Compound 47

5-(4-Dodecyloxy-phenyl)-10,15,20tris-[4-(3-trimethylammonio-propyloxy)-phenyl]-porphyrintrichloride

Compound 44 (50 mg, 0.059 mmol) and (3-bromopropyl)-trimethylammoniumbromide (1554 mg, 0.59 mmol, 10 eqv.) are dissolved and potassiumcarbonate (122 mg, 0.885 mmol, 15 eqv.) is suspended under argon inabsolute DMF (30 mL) and the mixture is stirred at 55° C. for 12 h. Thesolvent is removed in vacuo at 50° C. and the residue re-dissolved in alittle methanol and applied to a pad of silica (2 cm deep). Theunreacted ammonium salts are washed off with methanol (1000 mL). theproduct is eluted with acetic acid:methanol:water (3:2:1 by vol). Thesolvents are removed under reduced pressure and the crude productfurther purified by chromatography on a column (100 g) of Sephadex LH-20using n-butanol:water:acetic acid (4:5:1 by vol., upper phase) aseluent. The solvents are removed under reduced pressure, the residuere-dissolved in a little methanol and the solution passed through ashort column of anion exchange resin (Amberlite IRC 400, chloride form)using methanol as eluent. After removal of solvent the crude product isre-dissolved in the minimum amount of methanol and diethyl ether (50 mL)added. The solution is centrifuged for 15 min. The supernatant liquid isevaporated to dryness and the product dried at high vacuum to give aviolet solid.

¹H—NMR: δ_(H) (300 MHz, CD₃OD): 0.88 (t, 3H, ³J=7.5 Hz), 1.25-1.37 (m,16H), 1.48 (bs, 2H), 2.42 (bs, 6H), 3.29 (bs, 27H), 3.68-3.75 (m, 6H),4.05 (t, 2H), 4.33 (t, 6H) 717 (d, 2H, ³J=7.5 Hz), 7.33 (d, 6H, ³J=7.5Hz), 7.99 (d, 2H, ³J=7.5 Hz), 8.08 (d, 6H, ³J=7.5 Hz), 8.85 (bs, 8H)

Compound 48

5-(4-Nonyloxy-phenyl)-10,15,20-tris-[4-(3-trimethylammonio-propyloxy)-phenyl]-porphyrintrichloride

Compound 45 (50 mg, 0.062 mmol) and (3-bromopropyl)-trimethylammoniumbromide (162 mg, 0.62 mmol, 10 eqv.) are dissolved and potassiumcarbonate (128 mg, 0.93 mmol, 15 eqv.) is suspended under argon inabsolute DMF (30 mL) and the mixture is stirred at 55° C. for 12 h. Thesolvent is removed in vacuo at 50° C. and the residue re-dissolved in alittle methanol and applied to a pad of silica (2 cm deep). Theunreacted ammonium salts are washed off with methanol (1000 mL). Theproduct is eluted with acetic acid:methanol:water (3:2:1 by vol.). Thesolvents are removed under reduced pressure and the product furtherpurified by chromatography on a column (100 g) of Sephadex LH-20 elutingwith n-butanol:water:acetic acid (4:5:1 by vol., upper phase). Thesolvents are removed under reduced pressure, the residue re-dissolved ina little methanol and the solution is passed through a short column ofanion exchange resin (Amberlite IRC 400, chloride form) using methanolas eluent. After removal of solvent, the product is dried at high vacuumto give a violet solid.

¹H—NMR: δ_(H) (300 MHz, CD₃OD): 0.89 (t, 3H, ³J=7.5 Hz), 1.18-1.34 (m,10H), 1.41 (bs, 2H), 1.73 (quint, 2H, ³J=7.5 Hz), 2.30-2.44 (m, 6H),3.31 (bs, 27H), 3.36-3.73 (m, 6H), 3.93 (t, 2H, ³J=7.5 Hz), 4.25-4.42(m, 6H), 7.08 (d, 2H, ³J=7.5 Hz), 7.30 (d, 6H, ³J=7.5 Hz), 7.93 (d, 2H,³J=7.5 Hz), 8.05 (d, 6H, ³J=7.5 Hz), 8.94 (bs, 8H)

Compound 49

5-(4-Octyloxy-phenyl)-10,15,20-tris-[4(5-trimethylammonio-pentyloxy)-phenyl]-porphyrintrichloride

Compound 43 (23 mg, 0.03 mmol) and (5-bromopentyl)-trimethylammoniumbromide (84 mg,0.3 mmol, 10 eqv.) are dissolved and potassium carbonate(62 mg, 0.45 mmol, 15 eqv.) is suspended under argon in absolute DMF (15mL) and the mixture is stirred at 55° C. for 12 h. The solvent isremoved in vacuo at 50° C. and the residue re-dissolved in a littlemethanol and applied to a pad (2 cm deep) of silica. The unreactedammonium salts are washed off with methanol (1000 mL). The product iseluted with acetic acid:methanol:water (3:2:1 by vol.). The solvents areremoved under reduced pressure and the product further purified bychromatography on a column (100 g) of Sephadex LH-20 usingn-butanol:water:acetic acid (4:5:1 by vol., upper phase) as eluent. Thesolvents are removed under reduced pressure, the residue re-dissolved ina little methanol and the solution passed through a short column ofanion exchange resin (Amberlite IRC 400, chloride form) with methanol aseluent. The complete purification process is repeated is impurities,remain in the product. After removal of solvent, the residue is dried athigh vacuum to give the product as a violet solid.

¹H—NMR: δ_(H) (300 MHz, CD₃OD): 0.78 (bs, 3H), 1.08-1.35 (m, 10H),1.45-1.59 (m, 6H), 1.63-1.93 (m, 14H), 3.17-3.32 (m, 6H), 3.31 (bs,33H), 3.84 (bs, 2H), 4.07 (bs, 6H), 6.93 (bs, 2H), 7.09 (d, 2H, ³J=7.5Hz), 7.74 (bs, 2H), 7.88 (d, 2H, ³J=7.5 Hz), 8.71 (bs, 8H)

Compound 50

5,10,15-tris-[4-(5-Trimethylammonio-pentyloxy)-phenyl]-20-(4-undecyloxy-phenyl)-porphyrintrichloride

Compound 2 (50 mg, 0.06 mmol) and (5-bromopentyl)-trimethylammoniumbromide (174 mg, 0.6 mmol, 10 eqv.) are dissolved and potassiumcarbonate (124 mg, 0.9 mmol, 15 eqv.) is suspended under argon inabsolute DMF (30 mL) and the mixture is stirred at 55° C. for 12 h. Thesolvent is removed in vacuo at 50° C. and the residue re-dissolved in alittle methanol and applied to a pad (2 cm deep) of silica. Theunreacted ammonium salts are washed off with methanol (1000 mL). Theproduct is eluted with acetic acid:methanol:water (3:2:1 by vol.).Solvents are removed under reduced pressure and the product furtherpurified by chromatography on a column (100 g) of Sephadex LH-20 elutingwith n-butanol:water:acetic acid (4:5:1 by vol., upper phase). Solventsare removed under reduced pressure, the residue re-dissolved in theminimum of methanol and the solution passed through a short column ofanion exchange resin (Amberlite IRC 400) with methanol as eluent. Thecomplete purification process is repeated if impurities remain in theproduct. After removal of solvent, the residue is dried at high vacuumto give the product as a violet solid.

¹H—NMR: δ_(H) (300 MHz, MeOD): 0.71-0.88 (m, 13H), 0.91-1.38 (m, 14H),1.48-1.81 (m, 12H), signals for —CH₂NCH₂ and OCH₂-long alkyl chain arepart of the multiplet together with the signals for solvent in the area2.8-3.3, 3.91 (bs, 6H), 6.33 (bs, 2H), 6.86 (bs, 6H), 7.35 (bs, 2H),7.70 (bs, 6H), 8.65 (bs, 8H)

Compound 51

5,10,15,20-tetrakis-(3-Dodecyloxy-phenyl)-porphyrin

Pyrrole (0.7 mL, 10 mmol) and 3-dodecyloxybenzaldehyde (2.91 g, 10 mmol)are dissolved in degassed dichloromethane (1000 mL) and TFA (0.77 mL, 10mmol) is added dropwise. The mixture is stirred for 17 h at roomtemperature in the dark. DDQ (6.81 g, 30 mmol) is added in one portionand the mixture is stirred for a further 1 h at room temperature. Themixture is filtered through a column (400 g) of silica usingdichloromethane as eluent followed by dichloromethane to whichtriethylamine is added to adjust pH value to 8. This purificationprocess is repeated if impurities remain in the product until the pureproduct is obtained.

¹H—NMR: δ_(H) (300 MHz, d6-acetone): 0.80 (bs, 12H), 1.03-1.45 (m, 80H),1.78 (quint, 8H, ³J=7.5 Hz), 4.05 (t, 8H, ³J=7.5 Hz), 7.24 (d, 4H,³J=7.5 Hz), 7.49-7.55 (m, 4H), 7.68-7.71 (m, 8H), 8.80 (m, 8 H)

Example B: Non-Specific (Dark Toxicity) Profiles and PhotodynamicActivity (Light Toxicity) Profiles of Exemplary Compounds on BacterialCells

Methodology

The toxic effects of exemplary compounds of the invention against twobacterial strains, the Gram negative bacterium Escherichia coli (strainATCC 25922) and the Gram positive bacterium Staphylococcus aureus(methicillin-resistant strain ATTC BAA-44), were evaluated by measuringthe extent of growth inhibition (bacteriostatic effect) and growthinhibition (cytocidal effect) in the dark and upon light exposure.Initial compound screening was undertaken using white light [390-740 nm](150 mW/cm²) for various timepoints of a concentration of 3 μM (seeTable 1). Further experiments were undertaken on those compoundsidentified from this initial screen using a light source emitting lightat a wavelength between 417-420 nm at 15.2 mW/cm², 13.68 J/cm² (WaldmannEclairage SA, France) (see Table 20.

The following protocol was used for the initial screening of theexemplary compounds (Table 1) (see Reddi et al., 2002, Photochem.Photobiol. 75(5):462-470):

-   (i) E. coli and S. aureus cells were grown overnight on brain heart    infusion agar, resuspended in brain heart infusion broth, harvested    by centrifugation (3000 g for 15 minutes) and washed once with    phosphate buffered saline (PBS) at pH 7.4 consisting 2.7 mM KCl and    0.14 M NaCl.-   (ii) The cells were then resuspended in PBS to an optical density at    650 nm of 0.7, which corresponds to a density of 10⁸ to 10⁹    cells/ml.-   (iii) Next, the cells were incubated in PBS in the dark for 5    minutes with 3.0 μM of the compound to be tested.-   (iv) After dark incubation, cells were illuminated with white light    (wavelength: 390 to 740 nm) (150 mW/cm²) for up to 30 minutes.    During illumination, the cells were kept at 37° C. and magnetically    stirred.-   (v) Finally, treated and untreated (control) cells were diluted in    brain heart infusion broth and maintained at 3720 C. while the    absorbance of the suspension at 650 nm was monitored at    predetermined time points for determining growth curves.

The percent of growth inhibition in the treated cells was calculated bythe following equation:[1−(A_(x)−A₀)/(A_(c)−A₀)]×100where A_(x) A_(c) are the absorbances measured after 3 hours incubation,for the treated and control cell suspensions, respectively, and A₀represents the initial absorbance.

For the further investigation of the exemplary compounds (Table 2), thefollowing protocol was adopted:

-   (i) Bacteria (S. aureus BAA-44 and E. coli 25922) were grown in    brain heart infusion (BHI) broth until they reached the stationary    phase of growth.-   (ii) The cells were harvested by centrifugation (3000 g for 15 min)    with a table centrifuge, washed with 10 mM PBS at pH 7.4 containing    2.7 mM KCl and 0.14 M NaCl and suspended in PBS at an optical    density of 0.7 at 650 nm corresponding to 10⁸-10⁹ cells/ml.-   (iii) The bacteria, at the desired cell density (˜10⁸ cells/ml) were    incubated for 5 min in the dark with various concentrations of the    exemplary compounds.-   (iv) At the end of the incubation period the cells were washed three    times with PBS, suspended in PBS, transferred into a 96-well    microtitre plate (200 μl/well) and illuminated for 15 min with the    Waldmann light source (15.2 mW/cm²; 13.7 J/cm²). The cells were    illuminated from the bottom of the plate laying it on the glass    cover of the lamp.

(v) After illumination, cell survival was determined by plating seriallydiluted aliquots of treated and untreated (i.e. no exemplary compound orlight present) cells onto brain heart agar (BHA) and counting the numberof colonies after 18-24 h incubation at 37° C. TABLE 1 Growth inhibition(%) of E. coli and S. aureus cells irradiated with white light after 5min incubation with selected test compounds at a concentration of 3 μM.(A) Illumination E. coli S. aureus time (min) Cpd 16 Cpd 3 Cpd 19 Cpd 28Cpd 16 Cpd 3 Cpd 19 Cpd 28 0 8 5 3 4 12 21 13 15 1 34 68 5 21 97 83 3391 5 92 99 6 60 100 100 42 100 10 99 100 5 73 100 100 48 100 15 100 9910 81 100 100 54 100 30 100 99 12 92 100 100 58 100 (B) E. coli S.aureus Illumination Cpd Cpd Cpd Cpd Cpd Cpd Cpd Cpd Cpd Cpd time (min)29 31 32 6 33 29 31 32 6 33 0 ND ND 3 9 6 14 9 23 29 22 1 ND ND 10 17 1043 28 100 100 57 5 ND ND 16 30 25 49 38 100 100 99 10 ND ND 22 54 53 5378 100 100 100 15 ND ND 22 69 67 55 82 100 100 100 30 ND ND 38 93 78 5583 100 100 100 (C) Illumination E. coli S. aureus time (min) Cpd 36 Cpd8 Cpd 36 Cpd 8 0 6 23 22 80 1 56 69 96 99 5 84 100 100 100 10 90 100 100100 15 92 100 100 100 30 95 100 100 100Results

Results of the toxicity studies in E. coli and S. aureus are shown inTables 1 and 2, together with FIGS. 1 and 3 (see Example A for compound,‘Cpd’, structures). TABLE 2 Survival of E. coli and S. aureus cellsafter incubation with selected test compounds and illumination withwhite light (‘photodynamic activity’ or light toxicity) or noillumination (‘dark toxicity’) (A) Compound 3 Compound 6 Compound 8 LogLog Log concn illumination reduction concn illumination reduction concnillumination reduction PHOTODYNAMIC ACTIVITY (a) S. aureus 10 μM 15min >6 (>10⁻⁶) 1 μM 15 min 6 (10⁻⁶) 1 μM 15 min 6 (10⁻⁶)  1 μM 15 min >3(>10⁻³) 0.1 μM 15 min 3 (10⁻³) 0.1 μM 15 min 3 (10⁻³) (b) E. coli ND ND10 μM 15 min >6 (>10⁻⁶) ND ND 0.01 μM 15 min <1 (<10⁻¹) DARK TOXICITY(a) S. aureus 10 μM N/A >3 (>10⁻³) 10 μM 15 min 2 (10⁻²) 1 μM N/A <1(<10⁻¹)  1 μM N/A <1 (<10⁻¹) 1 μM 15 min  1 (<10⁻¹) 10 μM N/A <1 (<10⁻¹)(b) E. coli ND ND 10 μM N/A 2 (10⁻²) ND ND 0.01 μM N/A <1 (<10⁻¹)Compound 1 Compound 12 Compound 10 Log Log Log concn Illuminationreduction concn illumination reduction concn illumination reductionPHOTODYNAMIC ACTIVITY (a) S. aureus  1 μM 15 min >6 (>10⁻⁶) 1 μM 15min >6 (>10⁻⁶) 0.01 μM 15 min >4 (>10⁻⁴) 0.1 μM 15 min <1 (<10⁻¹) 0.1 μM15 min >3 (>10⁻³) 0.005 μM 15 min >3 (>10⁻³) 0.005 μM 15 min <2 (<10⁻²)(b) E. coli ND 1 μM 15 min >6 (>10⁻⁶) 1 μM 15 min >6 (>10⁻⁶) ND 0.5 μM15 min <1 (<10⁻¹) 0.5 μM 15 min <3 (<10⁻¹) DARK TOXICITY (a) S. aureus 10 μM N/A <1 (<10⁻¹) 1 μM N/A <1 (<10⁻¹) 0.01 μM N/A <1 (<10⁻¹) (b) E.coli ND 1 μM N/A <1 (<10⁻¹) 1 μM N/A <1 (<10⁻¹)

CONCLUSIONS

The results demonstrate that the compounds of the invention, whenilluminated with light, are capable of killing both gram positive andgram negative bacterial cells at the low concentrations investigated.

Activity of Compound 10 at Low Doses

the above colony forming unit (CFU) protocol was also used toinvestigate the photodynamic activity of very low concentrations of thecompounds of the invention. For example, FIG. 4 demonstrates the resultsobtained using (A) Compound 8 and (B) Compound 10 in the presence(photodynamic properties) and in the absence (inherent toxicityproperties) of light.

Results

-   (i) Compounds 8 and 10 both exhibited negligible dark toxicity    against BAA-44 at the concentrations testes.-   (ii) Compound 8 exhibited a potent antibacterial effect at    concentrations as low as 0.01 μM, where a 3 log reduction in BAA-44    was achieved.-   (iii) Compound 10 exhibited an even more potent antibacterial    effect, causing a 3 log reduction in BAA-44 at a concentration of    0.005 μM and capable of killing 90% of the bacteria at a 0.0025 μM    concentration.

CONCLUSIONS

Compounds 8 and 10 exhibit a dose-dependent and light-dependent toxicityagainst bacterial cells, even at very low doses.

Range of Antimicrobial Activity

The antibacterial activity of Compound 10 was tested against a range ofbacterial strains:

-   -   S. aureus ATCC BAA-44 (a methicillin resistant S. aureus)    -   Ps. aeruginosa ATCC 25668    -   S. epidermidis ATCC 700565    -   Streptococcus pyogenes ATCC 49117

E. coli ATCC 25922 TABLE 3 Concentration of Compound 10 required toobtain a 3 log Strain reduction in cells (μM) Staphylococcus aureus ATCC0.005 BAA-44 Pseudomonas aeruginosa 5.0 ATCC 25668 Staphylococcusepidermidis 0.0025 ATCC 700565 Streptococcus pyogenes 0.01 ATCC 49117 E.coli ATCC 25922 0.1

CONCLUSIONS

Compound 10 exhibits photodynamic activity (i.e. light toxicity) againsta broad range of gram positive and gram negative bacteria.

Photodynamic Activity of Compound 10 Against MRSA on ex vivo PorcineSkin

Excised porcine skin was cut into 3(4)×3(4) cm² pieces under sterileconditions and incubated in 70% ethanol for 5 minutes to reducebackground of colonised bacteria. After three washing steps in PBS, theskin pieces were fixed in petri dishes with Hepes-Agar. The epidermis(stratum corneum) was then inoculated with S. aureus ATCC BAA-44 (˜10⁸,Volume: 100 μl) and the skin surface dried under laminar flow cabinetuntil visible dry. The regions of interest were determined using a “pap”pen (1 cm² diameter). A sterile solution of Compound 10 (10 μM) wasapplied onto the skin for 10 minutes. Post application, the ex vivoporcine skin was placed under the Waldmann light source 236 andilluminated for 15 min (15.2 mW/cm², 13.7 J/cm²). A colony forming unitassay was performed to determine viable bacterial cell numberimmediately after irradiation using a sterile cotton rod to removebacteria from the stratum corneum. The sterile cotton rod was moistenedin sampling solution (0.1% Tween80 in 0.0075 M phosphate buffer pH 7.9)before swabbing the skin surface (3 times) and vortexed in samplingsolution before undertaking serial dilutions to determine the bacterialrecovery.

Incubation with Compound 10 (10 μM) followed by 15 minutes irradiationresulted in a 3.2 log₁₀ growth reduction (mean value of three targetareas). In contrast, control experiments (irradiation of appliedbacteria without Compound 10 incubation) did not show a decrease ofbacteria cell number.

Thus, these data demonstrate photodynamic activity of Compound 10against MRSA on the surface of porcine skin, even in the presence ofskin lipids and enzymes.

Confirmation of Photodynamic Properties Using Sodium Azide and D₂O

Quenching studies using D₂O and azide were performed with Compound 10and light against keratinocytes in vitro. In order to investigatewhether phototoxicity of the test compound against NHDF, NHEK andbacteria follows the photo-oxidation type II, sodium azide, a physicalquencher of singlet oxygen as well as D₂O an enhancer of reactive oxygenspecies were (Lin et al., 1991, Cancer Res. 51:1109-1116; Moan et al.,1979, Brit. J. Cancer 39:398-407).

FIG. 5 shows the effect of incubation with Compound 10 and quencher orCompound 10 and D₂O after illumination. Cell killing by Compound 10 wasreduced in the presence of sodium azide, as indicated by an increase ofthe cell viability, whereas the addition of D₂O revealed a dramaticdecrease of cell viability.

In conclusion, the killing of NHDF by Compound 10 with illuminationappears to be mediated mainly by singlet oxygen and not by the compounditself.

Acute Toxicity Testing of Compound 10

Compound 10 was used at a million times antibacterial doses (3.2 mM) ina topical formulation in a standard acute toxicity test to determine ifany clinical or histological toxicity for the compound could bedetected. The compound was applied to both intact and abraded rat skinfor 24 hours.

The acute toxicity protocol was based on OECD Guidelines for the testingof chemicals/Section 4—Health Effects Test Number 402: Acute DermalToxicity.

Results and Conclusions

After clinical, macroscopic and microscopic observation, no clinicaltoxicology was observed. No Histological toxicology of any major organ(including the skin) was observed. No cell infiltrates, including mastcells, were noted, neither was irritancy.

In conclusion, Compound 10 does not result in any acute toxic orallergic effect: in fact, no significant clinical or pathological signsrelated to the substance and its vehicle application were observed.

Photo-Toxicity Testing of Compound 10

The photo-toxicity protocol was based on OECD Guidelines for the testingof chemicals/Section 4 Health Effects—Test Number 406: Skinsensitisation.

Preliminary experiments determined that a light exposure of 30 minutesdid not result in any damage to the surface of the skin caused by thelight source. Similarly, control experiments demonstrated that Compound10 when applied at a concentration of 32 μM in the absence of light didnot result in any damage to the surface of the skin. The photo-toxicityof the Compound 10 in the topical formulation was studied when appliedonto 14 Guinea Pig skin (intact and abraded) for 24 hours, followed by a30 minute light exposure. Compound 10 was tested at two differentconcentrations 32 μM. Clinical and histological examination of the skintest sites was conducted at 24 and 72 hours post illumination inclassical photo-toxicity testing fashion. Biopsies were not done fromcontiguous sites to prevent any interaction in case of suture. Grossfindings were evaluated at the moment of the biopsy. Before giving ascore to each endpoint (erythema, oedema and inflammation), data foreach subject were compared to the data from the other animals and tocontrol data. A score from 0 to 4 was given for each site and for eachendpoint according to the Draize Scale (for inflammation, a scalesimilar to the Draize Scale was created after microscopic observation ofall skin sections, comparing with normal skin and with findings ofstep-1). A mean score was then calculated for each animal and for eachsampling point.

On analysing the results and comparing the experimental data with thedata from the control animals, it was concluded that there were noclinical signs or symptoms or histological findings that suggested anyphoto-toxic potential of Compound 10.

Example C: Binding of Exemplary Compounds of the Invention withBacterial Cells

Binding of Compounds 8, 10 and 12 with E. coli

E. coli cells were incubated for 5 min with Compound 8, 10 or 12 atvarious concentrations (1-7.5 μM). At the end of the incubation period,the cells were sedimented by centrifugation to remove the fraction ofunbound test compound and the cell pellet was resuspended in 2 ml of 2%SDS to obtain cell lysates. After overnight incubation with SDS, theamount of cell-bound test compound was estimated by spectrofluorimetricanalysis of the cell lysates. The concentration of the compounds in thecell lysates was calculated by measuring the intensities at the maximumof the emission fluorescence spectrum and interpolating the data on acalibration plot. The amount of cell-bound test compound was expressedas nmoles of compound per mg of cell protein. The protein concentrationwas determined by the method of Lowry (Lowry et al., 1951, J. Biol.Chem. 193:265-275).

All experiments were run in triplicate and the results represent theaverage of 3 determinations with standard deviations.

The amount of porphyrin recovered from the cells is shown in Table 4.TABLE 4 Concentration of compound Bound compound (nmoles/mg cellproteins) (μM) Compound 8 Compound 12 Compound 10 (a) 0 washings 0.010.024 ± 0.01 0.041 ± 0.02 0.026 ± 0.005 0.1 0.056 ± 0.02 0.151 ± 0.020.274 ± 0.05  0.5 0.522 ± 0.2  0.806 ± 0.14 1.542 ± 0.350 1 3.670 ± 0.7  2.70 ± 0.30  2.70 ± 0.354 (b) 3 washings 0.01  0.009 ± 0.001  0.021 ±0.005  0.015 ± 0.0004 0.1 0.030 ± 0.02 0.089 ± 0.02 0.078 ± 0.02  0.56.274 ± 0.15 0.622 ± 0.10 0.334 ± 0.092 1 2.230 ± 0.8  1.930 + 0.201.278 ± 0.102The results shown in Table 4 show that the three test compounds bind toE. coli with similar efficiency and that about 50% of the compound thatis associated to the cells at the end of the incubation period (5 min)is removed by 3 washings with PBS.

Example D: Testing of Exemplary Compounds for Emergence of BacterialResistance to PDT

The potential build up of resistance of the bacterial cells to theexemplary compounds of the invention was tested in the multi-drugresistant (including methicillin) gram positive bacterium Staphylococcusaureus BAA-44, using Compound 10 as the photodynamic agent. The survivalof S. aureus BAA-44 after the second treatment was again compared to thesurvival of S. aureus BAA-44 cells that had not been treated with PDT.The same treatment was repeated for a total of 10 times in order toassess if the sensitivity of S. aureus BAA-44 cells to PDT remainedconstant or whether some resistance was observed to develop afterrepeated treatments. In an additional experiment, clones which had beenexposed nine times to PDT treatment by the above methodology weretreated for a tenth time and the results compared to the cell killobserved in a parallel experiment where naïve cultures (i.e. which hadnot been exposed to PDT) were subjected to PDT treatment under exactlythe same conditions. The results obtained after 10 subsequent PDTtreatments are shown in FIG. 6.

The results obtained from comparing cell kill contained from culturesthat had been exposed to 10 consecutive PDT treatments with neïvecultures (i.e. which had not been exposed to PDT) are shown in FIG. 7.The survival was expressed as log N₀/N, where N₀ and N represent thenumber of CFU/ml of the untreated and treated cell suspensions.Statistical analysis by T test demonstrated that the differences betweenthe 2 values were not significant (P>10%):

CONCLUSIONS

The photosensitization of S. aureus ATCC BAA-44 by Compound 10 inducedno appreciable development of resistance. In fact, the efficiency ofphotodynamic activity of Compound 10 remained unchanged in tensubsequent photodynamic sequence sessions, even though bacterial cells,which were exposed in the previous treatments, were cultivated andre-exposed to Compound 10 and light. Therefore, treatment of bacteriausing Compound 10 is a photodynamic fashion is further enhanced by theapparent lack of induction of bacterial resistance, unlike antibiotictherapies, where multi-drug resistance is significant issue.

Example E: Toxicity Profile—Selectivity of Exemplary Compounds forBacteria

Methodology

Test compounds were screened for toxicity against cultured human skincells using normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEK) and normal humandermal fibroblasts (NHDF), purchased from CellSystems BiotechnologieGmbH, Germany.

The NHEK and NHDF cells were used between passages 3 and 10. The cellswere seeded with 7.5 and/or 15×10⁴ cells/well (microtitreplate) andallowed to attach overnight in an incubator (37° C., 5% CO₂). Afterincubation with different concentrations of the selectedphotosensitisers, the cells were illuminated for fifteen minutes (Lightsource 236, Waldmann; 15.2 mW/cm², 13.7 J/cm²) and then incubated for 24hours in the dark.

Phototoxicity was tested by standard MTT-assay (Mossman et al., 1983,Immunological Methods 65:55-63). MTT is an indicator of metabolicallyactive cells. Dependent on enzyme activity in mitochondria a colourreaction can be visualised, which can be measured by ELISA reader (540nm). The cell viability data were normalised, i.e. the OD values ofcells after PDT without photosensitisers were adjusted to one. Eachexperiment was repeated three times.

Results

Results of the toxicity studies in keratinocytes and fibroblasts areshown in Table 5. TABLE 5 Survival of keratinocyte and fibroblast cellsafter incubation with selected test compounds and illumination(‘photodynamic activity’) or no illumination (‘dark tosxicity’.) (A)Compound 8 Compound 1 Concn illumination Survival Concn illuminationSurvival PHOTODYNAMIC ACTIVITY (a) Fibroblasts 0.01 μM 15 min 100%  0.01μM 15 min 100%  0.1 μM 15 min 12% 0.1 μM 15 min 39% 1 μM 15 min  3% 1 μM15 min  2% (b) Keratinocytes 0.01 μM 15 min 98% 0.01 μM 15 min 94% 0.1μM 15 min 33% 0.1 μM 15 min 52% 1 μM 15 min 0.5%  1 μM 15 min 0.4%  DARKTOXICITY (a) Fibroblasts 10 μM N/A 68% 10 μM N/A 92% 1 μM N/A 100%  1 μMN/A 100%  (b) Keratinocytes 10 μM N/A 97% 10 μM N/A 83% 1 μM N/A 100% Compound 12 Compound 10 Concn illumination Survival Concn illuminationSurvival LIGHT TOXICITY (a) Fibroblasts 0.01 μM 15 min 100%  0.01 μM 15min 80% 0.1 μM 15 min 85% 0.1 μM 15 min  8% 1 μM 15 min 1.0%  1 μM 15min 0.5%  (b) Keratinocytes 0.01 μM 15 min 97% 0.01 μM 15 min 62% 0.1 μM15 min 75% 0.1 μM 15 min 1.0%  1 μM 15 min 0.5%  DARK TOXICITY (a)Fibroblasts 10 μM N/A 95% 10 μM N/A 91% 1 μM N/A 100%  1 μM N/A 100% (b) Keratinocytes 10 μM N/A 92% 10 μM N/A 51% 1 μM N/A 100%  1 μM N/A100% 

FIG. 8 shows the toxicity of Compound 8 against human fibroblasts and S.aureus BAA-44 at varying doses.

CONCLUSIONS

The above data demonstrate that compounds of the invention, for exampleCompound 8 (at a dose of 0.01 μM), Compound 12 (at a dose of 0.1 μM) andCompound 10 (at a dose of 0.01 μM), are preferentially toxic tobacterial cells compared to human skin cells.

In contrast, reference Compound 1 exhibits equal toxicity to bacterialand human cells.

Example F: Stability Studies

Methodology

A bespoke light source capable of delivering light of an appropriatewavelength (417 nm) was developed to activate the test compounds(Waldmann light source 236). The light source has a light intensity of15 mW/cm² after 3 minutes at room temperature (25° C.), yielding a lightdose of 14 J/cm²). It consists of a light box (493 mm length×278 mmwidth×93.3 mm height) where the samples to be tested are placed on thetop surface of the light box and illuminated from below.

Photostability of Compound 10

The photostability of the exemplary compounds was investigated usingstandard photodynamic procedures. A 10 μM solution of Compound 10 wasprepared in phosphate-buffered saline/ethanol, as described above, andilluminated with blue light (15 mW/cm²) using a light source with anabsorbance maximum of 417 nm. The solution was illuminated for variousperiods: 10, 20 and 30 minutes. After each predetermined illuminationperiod, the absorbance at 404 nm corresponding to the maximum absorptionpeak of the compound was measured. Parallel experiments were undertakenwhere the absorbance of Compound 10 solutions that had been kept in thedark for the same time periods as the illumination time periods weremeasured. Over the 30 minutes period of illumination a small loss in theabsorbance value at 404 nm was observed (see FIG. 10A).

The susceptibility of the Compound 10 to photobleaching when subjectedto a light at a higher fluence rate (150 mW/cm²; i.e. ten times thatused normally) was investigated. With this illumination system, thesolution was kept in a quartz cuvette during illumination while anequivalent solution was kept in the dark. The reduction of absorbancecaused by photobleaching was found to be approximately 15-20% at aconcentration of 10 μM after 30 minutes illumination (See FIG. 10B).

The above results indicate that Compound 10 undergoes photobleachingmuch less than other porphyrins known in the literature (for example,see Reddi, et al., 2002, Photochem. Photobiol. 75:462-470).

chemical Stability

The following HPLC methodology was established for the analysis of theexemplary compounds of the invention.

The method involves detection by UV at a wavelength of 420 nm, which isvery specific for these compounds. In order to monitor impurities notrelated to the porphyrin structure (and therefore not absorbing at 420nm) UV spectra of the whole chromatograms were also recorded between 200nm and 700 nm by DAD (diode array detector) in certain experiments.Column: Zorbax Phenyl, 250 × 4.6 mm, 5 μm Eluent A: 1.5 g sodiumdodecylsulfate + 1 mL formic acid in 1000 mL water Eluent B: 1.5 gsodium dodecylsulfate + 1 mL formic acid in 200 mL water + 800 mLtetrahydrofurane

Gradient: Time Eluent B [min] [%] 0 50 31 65 32 90 33 50 43 50

Flow rate: 0.4 mL/min Detection: 420 nm Column temperature: 25° C.Injection volume: 1.0 μl Solutions: Porphyrin derivatives were dissolvedin eluent A to give a final concentration of approximately 0.3 mg/mL

Typical retention time of the exemplary compounds was approximately 8minutes (18 minute runtime).

Qualitative stress tests were undertaken on the exemplary compounds ofthe invention. Analysis was undertaken by HPLC & LC-MS. The compoundswere stress tested in solid form, in an aqueous solution and a solutionmade up in phosphate-buffered saline buffer. The samples were initiallyincubated for 7 days at 50° C. and a sample removed for testing. Thesamples were then incubated for a further 7 days at 70° C., samplesremoved as before and the samples incubated further for 7 days at 90° C.HPLC analysis of freshly prepared solutions was undertaken and comparedto the samples after 7, 14 and 21 days incubation. A visual comparisonof the chromatograms was then undertaken and the content of the mainproducts and by-products as area percentage values determined (see FIG.11).

the 3D of the chromatograms show no indications for additional formationof fragments (no signals at lower wavelengths)

The plot in FIG. 12 shows the sample after 21 days in PBS buffer, whichshowed the largest degradation effect. The results demonstrated minimaldegradation on analysis of solid drug and drug in solution heated to 80°C. for a number of weeks.

CONCLUSIONS

Compounds 10 and 12 were both found to exhibit good stability and werevery stable even under the stressed conditions of the test protocol.Although Compound 8 was less stable than Compounds 10 and 12, thestability demonstrated was found to be sufficient for practical use.

Stability of Exemplary Compounds in Formulations

The stability of three exemplary compounds of the invention (Compounds8, 10 and 12) and one reference compound (Compound 1), stored at 40° C.in the dark over 8 weeks in polyethylene vials in various aqueous-basedformulations, was evaluated as follows:

-   -   Sodium laureth sulphate (SLES)+water    -   9:1 water:ethanol    -   SLES+9:1 water:ethanol

UV spectra were recorded over the range 350-700 nm over a period of 7weeks and a visual evaluation of the samples made at 8 weeks.

The results indicate that all compounds tested exhibited good stabilityover an eight-week period (see FIG. 13).

For Compounds 8 and 10, the stability study was extended to 17 weeks(see FIG. 14).

Example G: Distribution Studies

Human Skin Distribution

Human skin (intact) in Franz cell system was used to examine thedistribution of Compounds 10 and 12 within skin compartments after 22hours incubation at high concentration. Three separate experiments, eachusing one skin sample (from the same donor) was undertaken performulation. 250 μl of each formulation was applied under occlusion andremoved after 22 hours. Skin was separated and the compound content instratum corneum, epidermis and dermis, and receiver solution determinedusing HPLC.

The following HPLC methodology was established for the analysis of theexemplary compounds of the invention:

HPLC system details: TSP SCM1000 membrane degasser, P4000 quaternarypump, AS3000 autosampler, UV6000LP UV/Vis PDA detector, SN4000controller, PC1000 Ver. 3.5.1 software. Zorbax SB-Phenyl, 5 μm, 250×4.6mm column plus a Phenyl security guard cartridge (Phenomenex). Mobilephase: 550 mL water; 450 mL tetrahydrofuran; 1.5 g sodium dodecylsulfate and 1 mL formic acid at a flow rate of 0.8 mL/min. Injectionvolume was 50 μL (full loop injection) and operating temperature was 25°C. Detector was set at a wavelength of 409 nm plus UV/Vis scan (240-752nm, step 4 nm). Typical retention time of the exemplary compounds wasapproximately 8 minutes (18 minute runtime).

The majority of the compounds associated with the skin were found toreside in stratum corneum. Low concentrations were detected in theepidermis (approx. 0.01 μM)—i.e. potentially anti-bacterialconcentration. Lower concentrations were detected in the dermis (approx.0.002 μM). Compounds were not detected in the receiver solution. TABLE 6Experiment 1: 32 μM Compound 10 in 9:1 water:ethanol Total dose recoverystrips strips strips epi- receptor Formulation (ml) (%) wash wipe strip1 2-3 4-6 7-10 dermis dermis phase μg/cm2 32 μM Cpd 10 in 0.25 63.000.618 1.880 0.146 0.079 0.051 0.032 0.054 0.035 0.0000 9:1 water:ethanolnmoles/cm2 32 μM Cpd 10 in 0.25 63.00 0.807 2.455 0.191 0.103 0.0660.042 0.070 0.045 0.0000 9:1 water:ethanol tissue concentration (μM)Total dose recovery Formulation (ml) (%) total in strips epidermisdermis assumed tissue thickness (μm) 15 85 4000 calc volume (cm3) 0.00150.0085 0.400 32 μM Cpd 10 in 0.25 63.00 268 8.27 0.113 9:1 water:ethanol

TABLE 7 Experiment 2: Direct comparison of three formulations containing16 μM Compound 10 total dose recovery strips Strips strips epi- receptorFormulation (ml) (%) wash wipe strip 1 2-3 4-6 7-10 dermis dermis phaseμg/cm2 16 μM Cpd 10 + 0.25 50.53 0.454 0.741 0.0031 0.0015 0.0018 0.00070.0028 0.0059 0.0028 32 μM SLES in water 16 μM Cpd 10 in 9:1 0.25 53.010.564 0.544 0.0024 0.0023 0.0030 0.0007 0.0163 0.0088 0.0000water:ethanol 16 μM Cpd 10 + 0.25 58.94 0.478 0.430 0.0051 0.0026 0.00260.0014 0.0151 0.0028 0.0000 32 μM SLES in 9:1 water:ethanol nmoles/cm216 μM Cpd 10 + 0.25 50.53 0.593 0.968 0.0041 0.0020 0.0024 0.0009 0.00370.0077 0.0037 32 μM SLES in water 16 μM Cpd 10 in 9:1 0.25 53.01 0.7360.710 0.0031 0.0031 0.0039 0.0010 0.0212 0.0115 0.0000 water:ethanol 16μM Cpd 10 + 0.25 58.94 0.625 0.562 0.0066 0.0034 0.0034 0.0019 0.01980.0037 0.0000 32 μM SLES in 9:1 water:ethanol tissue concentration (μM)Total dose recovery receptor Formulation (ml) (%) total in stripsepidermis dermis phase assumed tissue thickness (μm) 15 85 4000 calcvolume (cm³) 0.0015 0.0085 0.400 3.32 16 μM Cpd 10 + 0.25 50.53 6.240.4373 0.019 0.0011 32 μM SLES in water 16 μM Cpd 10 in 9:1 0.25 53.017.37 2.4977 0.029 water:ethanol 16 μM Cpd 10 + 0.25 58.94 10.21 2.32570.009 32 μM SLES in 9:1 water:ethanolResults and Conclusions

Results of the human skin distribution studies are shown above in Tables6 and 7.

The key findings are as follows:

-   (i) The vast majority of Compound 10 was recovered from the surface    of the stratum corneum.-   (ii) Much lower, yet potentially antibacterial, concentrations of    Compound 10 were recovered within the stratum corneum.-   (iii) In the absence of ethanol, sub-therapeutic concentrations of    Compound 10 were found in the epidermis and dermis.-   (iv) In the presence of ethanol, higher concentrations of Compound    10 were found in the epidermis.-   (v) No formulation led to a potentially antibacterial concentration    of Compound 10 reaching the dermis.-   (vi) The formulations containing SLES were the only ones in which    Compound 10 was detected at very low concentration in the receptor    phase.-   (vii) Compound 10 distribution in the skin can, to a certain degree,    be manipulated by the formulation used.    Human Skin Cell Distribution: Imaging Studies

The sub-cellular distribution of the dyes in human dermal fibroblasts(NHDF) and human dermal keratinocytes (NHEK) has been investigated, NHDFwere grown on microscope slides overnight and the cells were thenincubated with Compound 10 for 5 minutes, 1 and 4 hours alone orincubated cells were co-stained with organelle-specific dyes. Forlabelling of lysosomes and mitochondria LysoTrackerGreen (MolecularProbes) and Rhodamine G6 (Sigma) were used, respectively. Immediatelyafter incubation sub-cellular localisation was examined by fluorescencemicroscopy (Zeiss Vario AxioTech, Germany) using an appropriate dualband filter set (Omega Optical) for excitation and emission. Usingsuitable software application, it is possible to overlay digitalphotographs (fluorescence) onto light microscopy photographstransparently. Therefore distribution of the dyes can be localized byone image. In addition, overlay of several digital photographs usingdifferent colour-images is also possible

NHDF cells were grown overnight on microscope slides. After that, thecells were incubated with 1 μM Compound 10 (green fluorescence) for 1hour and co-stained with (A) organelle-specific dyes for mitochondria(Rhodamine G6; 50 ng/ml, 5 minutes; red fluorescence) and nucleus(Hoechst 33342; blue fluorescence) or (B) organelle-specific dyes forlysosomes (LysoTrackerGreen; 10 μM, 2 h; green fluorescence) and nucleus(Hoechst 33342; blue fluorescence). Sub-cellular localisation wasexamined by fluorescence microscopy (Zeiss Vario AxioTech, Germany)using an appropriate dual band filter set (Omega Optical) for excitationand emission. Co-localisation is merged in yellow fluorescence.

Compound 10 fluorescence is localised extra-nuclearly and co-stainingwith mitochondria-specific Rhodamine G6 resulted in co-localisation ofCompound 10 and fluorescence of mitochondria. Co-staining withlysosomal-specific dye (LysoTrackerGreen) resulted in differentlocalization of Compound 10 and lysosomal fluorescence.

CONCLUSIONS

No nuclear association of Compound 10 was observed in nuclear materialin these studied which may indicate that there is a low possibility ofcompound activity against DNA.

Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain usingno more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specificembodiments of the invention described herein. Such equivalents areintended to be encompassed by the following claims.

1-48. (canceled)
 49. A method for selective photodynamic therapycomprising administering a compound of formula I or II:

wherein: X₁, X₂, X₃ and X₄ independently represent a hydrogen atom,lipophilic moiety, a phenyl group, a lower alkyl, alkaryl or aralkylgroup, or a cationic group of the following formula-L-R₁—N⁺(R₂)(R₃)R₄ wherein: L is a linking moiety or is absent; R₁represents lower alkylene, lower alkynylene, which is optionallysubstituted by one or more substituents selected from lower alkyl, loweralkylene (optionally interrupted with oxygen), fluoro, OR₅, C(O)R₆,C(O)R₇, C(O)NR₈R₉, NR₁₀R₁₁ and N³⁰ R₁₂R₁₃R₁₄;and R₂, R₃ and R₄independently represent H, aryl, lower alkyl, lower alkenyl or loweralkynyl, the latter three of which are optionally substituted by one ormore substituents selected from lower alkyl, lower alkylene (optionallyinterrupted with oxygen), aryl, OR₅, C(O)R₆, C(O)R₇, C(O)NR₈R₉, NR₁₀R₁₁and N⁺R₁₂R₁₃R₁₄ Z is —CH or N; and Y₁, Y₂, Y₃ and Y₄ are absent orindependently represent aryl, lower alkyl, lower alkenyl or loweralkynyl, the latter three of which are optionally substituted by one ormore substituents selected from lower alkyl, lower alkylene (optionallyinterrupted with oxygen), aryl, OR₅, C(O)R₆, c(O)OR₇, C(O)NR₈R₉,NR₁₀NR₁₁ and N⁺R₁₂R₁₃R₁₄; and R₅, R₆, R₇, R₈, R₉R₁₀, R₁₁, R₁₂, R₁₃ andR₁₄ independently represent H or lower alkyl provided that at least oneof X₁, X₂, X₃ and X₄ is a cationic group as defined above and at leastone of X₁, X₂, X₃ and X₄ is a hydrogen atom, and wherein M is metallicelement of r metalloid element.
 50. The method according to claim 49,wherein the toxicity of the compound against a target microorganism isat least two-fold greater than the toxicity of the compound to mammaliancells.
 51. The method according to claim 50, wherein the compound issubstantially non-toxic to mammalian cells. 52-53. (canceled)
 54. Themethod of claim 49 for use in the curative or prophylactic treatment ofmicrobial infections.
 55. The method of claim 49 for killingmicroorganisms.
 56. The method of claim 55, wherein the microorganismsare selected from the group consisting of bacteria, mycoplasmas, yeasts,fungi and viruses.
 57. The method of claim 56, wherein themicroorganisms are bacteria which are resistant to one or moreconventional antibiotic agents.
 58. The method of claim 49 forpreventing and/or treating dermatological infection.
 59. The method ofclaim 49 for prevention and/or treating an infection of the lungs. 60.The method of claim 49 for preventing and/or treating wounds infectionand/or ulcers. 61-62. (canceled)
 63. The method according to claim 49,wherein M is a divalent or trivalent metallic element.
 64. The methodaccording to claim 63, wherein M is selected from Zn (II), Cu (II), La(III), Lu (III), Y (III), In (III) Cd (II), Mg (II), Al(III), Ru,Ni(II), Mn(III), Fe(III) and Pd(II).
 65. The method of claim 49, whereinM is a metalloid element.
 66. The method of claim 49, wherein Y₁, Y₂, Y₃and Y₄ are absent.
 67. The method of claim 49, wherein Z is —CH.
 68. Themethod of claim 49, wherein R₁ is an unsubstituted lower alkylene, loweralkenylene or lower alkynylene group.
 69. The method of claim 49,wherein R₁ is —(CH₂)_(m)- and m is an integer between 1 and
 20. 70. Themethod of claim 69, wherein m is an integer between 1 and
 10. 71. Themethod of claim 70, wherein m is
 3. 72. The method of claim 49, whereinone or more of R₂, R₃ and R₄ are lower alkyl, lower alkenyl or loweralkynyl groups.
 73. The method of claim 72, wherein one or more of R₂,R₃ and R₄ are unsubstituted lower alkyl groups.
 74. The method of claim72, wherein at least one of R₂, R₃ and R₄ is an alkyl group which issubstituted with a primary, secondary or tertiary amine group or aquaternary ammonium group.
 75. The method of claim 49, wherein R₁ is—(CH₂₎ ₃—, R₂ and R₃ are CH₃ and R₄ is —(CH₂)₃—N(CH₃)₂.
 76. The methodof claim 49, wherein R₁ is —(CH₂)₃—, and R₂, R₃ and R₄ are each CH₃. 77.The method of claim 49, wherein R₁ is —(CH)₂)₃—, and R₂, R₃ and R₄ areeach C₂H₃.
 78. The method of claim 49, wherein L is selected from thegroup consisting of phenoxy, phenylene, sulfonyl amido, aminosulfonyl,sulfonylimino, phenylsulfonyl-amido, phenylaminosulfonyl, urea, urethaneand carbamate linking moieties.
 79. The method of claim 78, wherein oneor more of the groups selected from the group consisting of X₁, X₂, X₃and X₄ are

wherein R is —R₁—N⁺(R₂)(R₃)R₄, as defined in claim 1 and ‘n’ in aninteger between 1 and
 3. 80. The method of claim 78, wherein one or moreof the groups selected from the group consisting of X₁, X₂, X₃ and X₄are

wherein R is —R₁—N⁺(R₂)(R₃)R₄, as defined in claim 1 and m is an integerbetween 1 and
 3. 81. The method of claim 78, wherein one or more of thegroups selected from the group consisting of X₁, X₂, X₃ X₄ are

wherein each R independently is —R₁—N⁺(R₂)(R₃)R₄, as defined in claim 1and n and m are integers between 1 and 3 and wherein the sum of n and mis an integer between 1 and
 3. 82. The method of claim 78, wherein n orm is
 3. 83. The method of claim 78, wherein n or m is
 2. 84. The methodof claim 78, wherein n, m, or both are
 1. 85. The method of claim 78,wherein L is mono-substituted at the para-position.
 86. The method ofclaim 78, wherein L is mono- or di-substituted at a meta-position(s).87. The method of claim 78, wherein L is mono- or di-substituted at anortho-position(s).
 88. The method of claim 49, wherein the compoundcomprises two cationic groups, as defined in claim 1, on opposite sidesof the porphyrin ring, at ring positions 5 and 15 or ring positions 10and
 20. 89. The method of claim 88, wherein X₁ and X₃ are a hydrogenatom, a lipophilic moiety, a phenyl group, a lower alkyl, alkaryl oraralkyl group and X₂ and X₄ are cationic groups, or wherein X₂ and X₄are a hydrogen atom, a lipophilic moiety, a phenyl group, a lower alkyl,alkaryl or aralkyl group and X₁ and X₃ are cationic groups.
 90. Themethod of claim 49, wherein the compound comprises two cationic groupsat ring positions 5 and 10, or ring positions 10 and 15, or ringpositions 15 and 20 or ring positions 20 and
 5. 91. The method of claim90, wherein X₁ and X₂ are hydrogen and X₃ and X₄ are cationic groups, orX₂ and X₃ are hydrogen and X₄ and X₁ are cationic groups.
 92. The methodof claim 91, wherein at least one of X₁, X₂, X₃ is a lipophilic moiety.93. The method of claim 92, wherein the lipophilic moiety is asaturated, straight-chain alkyl group of formula —(CH₂)_(p)H₃ wherein pis an integer between 1 and
 22. 94. The method of claim 93 wherein p isbetween 1 and
 18. 95. The method of claim 91, wherein none of X₁, X₂, X₃and X₄ is a lipophilic moiety.
 96. The method of claim 91, wherein noneof X₁, X₂, X₃ and X₄ is a phenyl group.
 97. The method of claim 49,wherein the compound is water-soluble.
 98. The method claim 49, whereinthe compound is5,15-bis-(4-{3-[(3-Dimethylamino-propyl)-dimethyl-ammonio]-propyl-oxy}-phenyl)-porphyrindichloride.
 99. The method of claim 49, wherein the compound is5,15-bis-[4-(3-Trimethylammonio-propyloxy)-phenyl]-porphyrin dichloride.100. The method of claim 49, wherein the compound is5,15bis-[3-(3-Trimethylammonio-propyloxy)-phenyl]-porphyrin dichloride.101. The method of claim 49, wherein the compound is5,15-bis-[4-(3-trimethylammonio-propyloxy)-phenyl]-porphyrin dichloride.102. The method of claim 49, wherein the compound is5-[3,5-bis-(3-Trimethylammonio-propyloxy )-phenyl]-15-undecyl-porphyrindichloride.
 103. The method of claim 49, wherein the compound is5-{4-[3-Dimethyl-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-ammonio-propyl-oxy]-phenyl}-15-(4-dodecyloxy-phenyl)-porphyrinchloride.
 104. The method of claim 49, wherein the compound is3-[({3-[(3-{4-[15-(4-Dodecyloxy-phenyl)-porphyrin-5-yl]-phenoxy}-propyl)-dimethyl-ammonio]-propyl}-dimethyl-ammonio)-propyl]-trimethyl-ammonium)trichloride.
 105. The method of claim 49, wherein the compound is5,15-bis-[3-(3-Trimethylammmonio-propyloxy)-phenyl]-10undecyl-porphyrindichloride.
 106. The method of claim 49, wherein the compound is5-{4-[3-Dimethyl-(3-trimethylammonio-propyl)-ammmonio-propyloxy]-phenyl}-15-(4-dodecyloxy-phenyl)-porphyrindichloride.
 107. The method of claim 49, wherein the compound is5-[4-(3-Dimethyldecyl-ammoniopropyloxy)-phenyl]-15-{4-[3-di-methyl-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-ammoniopropyloxy]-phenyl}-porphyrin dichloride.